SP Balasubrahmanyam thanks govt, fans for centenary award

Chennai: Veteran singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam in his Facebook post thanked the government for honouring him.. The legendary singer is gearing up for his Moscow concert scheduled on November 6. In his Facebook he posted, “I am thankful to the Government of India for announcing the Centenary Award to me which will be presented on the 20th in Goa on the occasion of the 47th International Film Festival. I am grateful to the entire Indian Film Industry for bringing me up to this stage”. He also thanked his fans who have been supporting him so far.  “What can I say to my patrons who listen to my songs and bless me? I am indebted to you all”.

The singer has received National Film Award for best male playback singer six times and also holds a Guinness World Record for recording maximum number of songs. He is also a recipient Padmashri and Padma Bhushan. He made his debut as a playback singer in 1966 with Telugu film Maryada Ramanna.  His first work in Hindi films was Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981), for which he received a National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. He last sang a track in Rajinikanth’s 2014 film Lingaa. Apart from singing, he has also acted in several films.

‘His individuality lies in his unique voice’

S.A. RAJKUMAR - Music Composer and president of  Music Union
It is a proud moment for our music fraternity. SPB is a versatile artist. What makes him distinct is his crystal clear pronunciation of Tamil lyrics, though his mother tongue is Telugu. Right from his debut number Ayiram Nilave Vaa, which he rendered for late legend MGR, until today, he maintains his voice intact. He has sung for all generations of music composers -  right from Kothandapani sir to KV Mahadevan sir to MSV anna to me to AR Rahman sir. He also made it public a few years back that he would never lend voice when the lyrics are coarse. That way he was also socially conscious. There can be only one TMS, Kishore Kumar, P. Suseela, Janaki, Manna Dey and similarly one SPB sir. His individuality lies in his unique voice. He truly deserves the Centenary Award.

‘Big achiever, but humble’

VIJAY ANTONY - Music composer/actor
SPB sir is a big achiever. He is humble and simple and I respect him for his humanity. I like him as a person.  It gives my immense happiness. Who else can merit for such a coveted award than SPB sir?

‘All because of his tireless work’

P. SUSHEELA - Veteran playback singer
I am very happy for SPB sir. He has got several awards in his life and it is all because of his severe hard work. Till today he has been working tirelessly and that's the secret of reaching dizzy heights. He deserves all the laurels in the world.

‘Deserves global recognition’

IMMAN - Music composer
Whatever laurels SPB sir gets, he merits absolutely. Having entered Guinness for singing maximum number of songs, he should get more honors and glories and global recognition.

 (As told to Anupama Subramanian)