Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last on Friday after a brief battle with COVID. Singers, actors, filmmakers and other artistes and craftspersons associated with the film industry took to verified social media accounts to express their grief at the demise of the 74-year-old Padma Bhushan award-winning singer.
LataMangeshkar tweeted: "Pratibhashaaligayak, madhurbhashi, bahutnekinsan SP Balasubrahmanyamjikeswargwaskikhabarsunke main bahutvyathithun. Humnekaigaanesaathgaaye, kai shows kiye. Sab baateinyaadaarahihain.Ishwarunkiaatmako shanti de. Merisamvedanaayeinunkepariwarkesaathhain (I am heartbroken to learn about the demise of gifted singer, soft-spoken person and a very good human being SP Balasubrahmanyam. We have recorded so many songs and performed several shows together. I am reminded of those beautiful memories of the olden days. May god rest his soul in peace.My condolences with his family.)"
AshaBhosle released a statement, saying: "This year has seen a lot of unfortunate events. And the news of SP Balasubrahmanyam's demise that I have heard just now makes me even sadder. He was an amazingly versatile artist. His first songs after South, in Hindi with LakshmikantPyarelal were amazing. His duet with Latadidi was very memorable. Balu sang a lot of songs for RD Burman and was his friend. He had helped me a lot with my Tamil pronunciation in my song for Ilayaraja. The loss of such a great artist has left a huge void in the music world. I wish his soul to rest in peace in this musical journey to be one with the almighty. RIP Balu."
Salman Khan tweeted: "Heartbroken to hear about #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir... you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! condolence to the family #RIP"
HemaMalini wrote: "End of an era! Versatile musical genius passes away. SP Balasubramaniam succumbs to the terrible COVID virus after a prolonged battle in hospital. God give him peace. He will be missed by all."
Akshay Kumar shared: "Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Balasubrahmanyamji. Just a few months back I'd interacted with him during a virtual concert in this lockdown..he seemed hale,hearty& his usual legendary self...life is truly unpredictable. My thoughts & prayers with his family #RIPSPB."
Anil Kapoor tweeted: "Great human being and an incredible singer...lucky to have had him dub for me...give his voice to my performances in my first Telugu and Kannada film...SP Balasubrahmanyam will be missed truly...my heartfelt condolences & prayers to the family."
Ajay Devgn shared: "SP Balasubrahmanyam Sir's voice dominated my initial years of cinema. He, of course, had been a legend from long before. Sad to learn of his passing.Condolences to his family.#RIPSPB sir."
ShreyaGhoshal expressed: "Rest in peace #SPB garu. Very sad to hear this devastating news of the greatest, the legendary #SPBalasubrahmanyam passing away. We were so hopeful that he was on the path to recovery. Such a great artist and human being with an incredible personality, inspiring energetic spirit and so humble.. I have been very fortunate to have had his blessings, having sung along with him on so many songs. SPB sir, your legacy continues through your music till eternity."
"Hum AapkeHainKoun" actress RenukaShahane wrote: "Padmabhushan S P Balasubramaniam sir's demise is a huge loss to our Indian film industry and Indian music. So many superhit songs with so many memories, especially of HAHK May the almighty rest his soul in eternal peace. Om Shanti."
Music composer Anu Malik posted: "Do not think of SPB as gone. He is with us still in each new Dawn.. Sir your voice shall reverbate in our hearts and minds for ever..Rest in peace SPB sir."
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu tweeted: "Unable to process the fact that #SPBalasubramaniamgaru is no more. Nothing will ever come close to that soulful voice of his. Rest in peace sir. Your legacy will live on. Heartfelt condolences and strength to the family."
Telugu star Ram Charan posted: "I am shocked to learn that our ever smiling SPB garu is no more. This loss to our fraternity is unimaginable. My deepest condolences to his entire family." (IANS)