Legendary singer S.P. Balasubramaniam has passed away leaving the entire nation in uttershock and has become the biggest casualty of the coronavirus in the country.  The 74 year old was admitted to the MGM Hospital in Choolaimedu Chennai on August 5th and was having only mild symptoms for close to ten days.

The hospital management however gave the shocking news on August 14th that from the 13th night SPB's condition suddenly deteriorated and he was moved to the ICU ward and was put on life support.  Due to the efforts of the doctors and prayers of millions initiated by SPB's close friend Bharathiraja his condition saw a marked improvement and was taken off sedatives and also responded well to physiotherapy.

However, on September 24th came the shocking news that SPB's condition suddenly deteriorated and he was put back on full life support in extremely critical condition.  It has now just been announced that SPB breathed his last at 1.04 pm today ( September 25th) His departure to the heavenly abode has left a huge void in the entertainment industry.  He is survived by his wife Savithri, daughter Pallavi and son SPB Charan.

Balu as he was fondly called by friends was born in Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and later shifted to Madras in the late sixties.  Though he had sung a few songs for M.S. Viswanathan it was "Aayiram Nilave Vaa" for MGR in 'Adimaipenn' and "Iyarkai Ennum Idhayakani' for Gemini Ganesan in 'Shanti Nilayam' both released in 1969 that brought him fame.  There was no looking back as Balu ruled as the numero uno male playback singer for the next fifty years singing for all the major superstars including Sivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vishnuvardhan, Chiranjeevi and extended till the present era of Ajith and Vijay.

Balu's golden voice became a staple diet for generations of listeners who still enjoy his fifty thousand odd songs that will remain immortal for many more years to come.  From MSV to Ghibran there is no music director who has missed his magic.  What is more, he also has the credit of contributing to Ilayaraja's entry into the film world having shared his room with him and taking him around to producers and directors.  Similarly Balu also helped Bharathiraja in his earlier days when he was trying to breakout in the film industry.

SPB also had a passion for acting and delivered impeccable performances in K. Balachander's 
'Manathil Urudhi Vendum', Shankar's 'Kadhalan', 'Sigaram', 'Guna' and 'Keladi Kanmani' among others.

It is very difficult to write a eulogy to such a legend as SPB as his contribution to film and film music is as vast as the ocean and were can only touch with a finger tip.  Indiaglitz salutes one of its favorite personalities and not only will remember him for his music but for the thorough gentleman, he always was throughout his celebrated career.