WATCH: A.R. Rahman Remembers SP Balasubrahmanyam; ‘He Would Learn A Song In 15 Minutes, Sing It In 10 Minutes And Go For The Next Recording’

On hearing the news of SP Balasubrahmanyam’s demise, the ‘Dil Se’ composer left a tweet writing ‘devastated’. Read on.

Image courtesy - SP Balasubrahmanyam (@ispbofficial/Instagram), A.R.Rahman (@arrahman/Instagram)

New Delhi: SP Balasubrahmanyam left for his heavenly abode on September 25. After the ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ singer’s health deteriorated on August 5, he was shifted to the ICU of MGM Healthcare in Chennai after testing positive for COVID-19. Though SPB defeated the virus on September 8, he succumbed to a cardiorespiratory arrest at the age of 74. After his death, music composer A.R. Rahman paid a musical tribute in remembrance of the veteran singer. On hearing the news of SP Balasubrahmanyam’s demise, the ‘Dil Se’ composer left a tweet writing ‘devastated’. A.R. Rahman has now released a video expressing his thoughts about the musical genius. Rahman recalled, “One of the very first performances I've ever done in a big way was a performance celebrating the birthday of SPB. It was around 82-82 at the Music Academy, felicitating SPB and the compere was Suhasini Maniratnam. I still remember.. it's one of the highs in my life. My life started that way.” He added, “I've played many, many recordings for other composers, as a keyboard player, where he was singing. He would learn a song in 15 minutes, sing it in 10 minutes and go for the next recording. I don't think I've ever seen a singer like that — so quick, so professional, so humble.” Remembering the moment from his first recording with the ‘Paadum Nila’, Rahman said, “My other memory with his is when I recorded my first Roja recording - Kadhal Rojave. He came into the studio and said, 'How can this studio produce cinematic music?' I smiled at him. He came back after the movie released and said, 'You proved it... music can be produced anywhere. It's what you do with it (that matters)'.” Speaking about SPB’s popularity, the ‘Rang De Basanti’ composer states in his video, “He was loved by everyone., Whether you are a Tamilian or Telugu or Hindi or Malayalam or Kannada, he did it all. All I can say is we should celebrate his music. We should celebrate his life. We should celebrate his personality. SPB sir, we miss you.” He concluded by saying, “Growing up in south India, SPB is part of our culture. His voice is part of our culture. He is part of our victories, love, devotion and joy. And this loss... I wouldn't say this is a loss, I think we have to celebrate his life, because he has shared his gift so much with us, we can only celebrate and not brood over his death because what happens happens. All I can ask all of us is try to be kind to each other. Let's respect when people are there... whether your parents, your senior artistes or people who give unconditionally. God bless you all.” While sharing the video, A.R. Rahman wrote, “Celebrating #SPBalaSubramanyam's music, life and personality.”

Besides being a fantastic singer, SPB was also a music director, an actor, and a producer. He is survived by his wife Savitri, daughter Pallavi and son SP Charan, who is also a singer and a producer. Stay tuned for more updates!