Nearly six years after the passing of legendary singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), memories of his warmth, friendship and extraordinary musical journey continue to touch millions. Over the years, several people who worked closely with him have shared emotional stories, but music director Gangai Amaran has now revealed one of the most heartbreaking moments from the singer’s final days. Speaking in a recent interview, he recalled his last conversations with SPB and disclosed the wish the legendary singer carried while undergoing treatment in hospital.
SPB wanted to see Ilaiyaraaja , reveals Gangai Amaran
Recalling SPB’s final days in a chat with Indian Express, Gangai Amaran said the singer never expected his hospital visit to become his last journey. “When he was admitted to the hospital, I called him. He told me, ‘I’m only going for a check-up. I’ll be back in four days. You can come and meet me after that. Don’t come to the hospital now,'” Gangai Amaran recalled. As SPB’s health worsened, he was able to speak to him only through a video call. “When I saw him with tubes attached to his nose, I told him, ‘You are the man who always wore headphones to sing. Break those tubes and throw them away.’ It was very painful to see him like that,” he said. Gangai Amaran then revealed, “During those final moments, he had one wish. He really wanted to see Ilaiyaraaja.”
A friendship that went beyond music
Gangai Amaran explained that SPB and Ilaiyaraaja shared a friendship that began long before they became legends in Indian cinema. They travelled together for stage shows during their early years and remained close throughout their careers. SPB went on to become the voice for innumerable unforgettable songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja and many other top music directors. Their relationship was more than just about music, but years of respect and personal regard. Gangai Amaran’s emotional revelation has once again reminded fans about the close friendship that the two icons shared beyond the recording studio.
SPB’s musical legacy continues to inspire generations
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam started his career in Telugu cinema before making his debut as a Tamil playback singer in ‘Aayiram Nilave Vaa’ from ‘Adimai Penn’ (1969), starring M.G. Ramachandran. In the next five decades, he sang thousands of songs in a number of Indian languages and lent his voice to generations of leading actors including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi and many others. His work with Ilaiyaraaja still remains some of the most celebrated in Indian film music. SPB died on September 25, 2020 but his evergreen songs and the memories shared by his nearest and dearest keep his legacy alive in the hearts of music lovers.