Legendary Bollywood singer SP Balasubrahmanyam passes away

Indian singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Guinness world record holder for his more than 40,000 songs over 50 years, has died at the age of 74.

From romantic hits to popular dance tracks, he sang some of Indian cinema's best-known numbers, spanning 16 languages.

He has won six National Film Awards, six Filmfare Awards South and one Filmfare Award.

Pratibhashaali gayak,madhurbhashi ,bahut nek insan SP Balasubrahmanyam ji ke swargwas ki khabar sunke main bahut vyathit hun.Humne kai gaane saath gaaye,kai shows kiye.Sab baatein yaad aarahi hain.Ishwar unki aatma ko shanti de.Meri samvedanaayein unke pariwar ke saath hain.

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) September 25, 2020

The legend is best known for songs such as ‘Dil Diwana Bin Sajna Ke Mane Na, Sun Beliya, Waha Waha Raam Ji, Mere Rang Mei Rangane Wali and Hum Bane Tum Bane Ek Dooje Ke Liye.

Balasubrahmanyam died on Friday after spending days in intensive care following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Balasubrahmanyam ji.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 pic.twitter.com/NytdM7YhBL

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) September 25, 2020

Heartbroken to hear about #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir... you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! condolence to the family #RIP

— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) September 25, 2020

He was first admitted to hospital in the southern city of Chennai in early August when he tested positive for Covid-19.

He tested negative early in September but continued to receive life support treatment.

With the unfortunate demise of Shri SP Balasubrahmanyam, our cultural world is a lot poorer. A household name across India, his melodious voice and music enthralled audiences for decades. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2020

The hospital where he was being treated said in a statement that he died of a cardio-respiratory arrest.

SPB, as he was popularly known, began his career in Tamil and Telugu cinema in southern India - and became the first crossover singer who gained success in Bollywood.

As news of his death broke, social media was flooded with condolences and memories as people recollected some of their favourite songs sung by him.

[Source: BBC]