Balasubrahmanyam

Balasubrahmanyam, widely known as S. P. Balasubrahmanyam or SPB, was an Indian playback singer, actor, music director, and television personality. He is one of the most prolific and celebrated singers in Indian cinema, having recorded over 40,000 songs in various Indian languages. His career spanned over five decades, beginning with his debut in the Tamil film 'Shanthi Nilayam' in 1969.

Born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, Balasubrahmanyam's initial ambition was to become an engineer. However, his passion for music led him to pursue a career in singing. He lent his voice to a vast array of actors, most notably to Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in Tamil cinema, and to Salman Khan in Hindi cinema. His distinctive voice and versatile singing style made him a household name across India.

Balasubrahmanyam received numerous accolades throughout his career, including six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and 25 state Nandi Awards. He was also honored with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011 by the Government of India. Beyond singing, he also made significant contributions as a music director and appeared in several films as an actor. His philanthropic activities and his role as a mentor to aspiring singers further solidified his legacy. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam passed away in September 2020, leaving behind an indelible mark on the Indian music industry.