S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (1946–2020), loved as SPB or Balu, was an Indian playback singer whose voice filled Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi cinema.
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Latest
SPB’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Telugu cinema
Hindi cinema
Hindi cinema
Tamil cinemaOverview
- Born
- 4 June 1946
- Remembered
- 25 September 2020, Chennai
- Also known as
- SPB and Balu
- First film
- Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna, 1966
- Craft
- Playback singer, actor, composer, dubbing artist and television presenter
Mini bio
How it started.
Music was part of home life: his father, S. P. Sambamurthy, performed Harikatha, combining storytelling and song. While studying engineering, Balu entered singing contests. Composer S. P. Kodandapani spotted him and gave him his film debut in Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna in 1966.
A voice across languages.
Sankarabharanam brought wider recognition, and Ek Duuje Ke Liye introduced his singing to Hindi audiences. He later became closely associated with Salman Khan’s songs, including Maine Pyar Kiya. His six National Film Awards recognised singing in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.
Beyond the recording booth.
Fans could also see him act in films such as Keladi Kanmani and hear him mentor singers on Paadutha Teeyaga. He composed film music and dubbed dialogue as well as singing. SPB died in Chennai on 25 September 2020; the recent events here celebrate his legacy.
Creditschronological, newest first
- 1990Keladi KanmaniActor and singer of Mannil Intha Kaadhal
- 1989Maine Pyar KiyaPlayback singer, including Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali
- 1981Ek Duuje Ke LiyePlayback singer, including Tere Mere Beech Mein
- 1980SankarabharanamPlayback singer
- 1966Sri Sri Sri Maryada RamannaPlayback singing debut
Awards
- Padma Vibhushan2021 · Awarded posthumously for art.
- Indian Film Personality of the Year2016 · Honoured at the 47th International Film Festival of India.
- Padma Bhushan2011 · Government of India.
- Padma Shri2001 · Government of India.
- Six National Film AwardsBest Male Playback Singer honours across Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.
Quotes
Wherever I get a good song, that is my favorite arena.S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, The News Minute
In a December 2015 interview, he was asked which film industry he most enjoyed working in.
Trivia
- He initially studied engineering before making singing his career.
- He played in an early light music troupe with Ilaiyaraaja and Gangai Amaran.
- His dubbing work included the Telugu voice of Suman as Lord Balaji in Annamayya.
Find SPB
Explore SPB’s recordings and official archives.
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