Cinemaazi remembers S P Balasubrahmaniam on his birth anniversary

Known for his immense productivity and versatility, S P Balasubramanyam has charmed generations of listeners with his mesmerising voice. Born in Nellore on 4 June, 1946 he ahd originally pursued a career in engineering. But always possessing prodigious talent as a singer, he always visited music composers for an opportunity to sing. He made his debut in Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna (1966), with songs in Kannada and Tamil soon following suit. At a time dominated by the likes of P B Srinivas and T M Soundarajan, he had to wait a few years before his breathrough. It came with the songs Iyarkai Ennum Ilaya Kanni in Shanti Nilayam (1969) and Aayiram nilavae va in Adimai Penn (1969). There was no looking back after that, as he became one of the most sought after singers of his times. He made his Hindi debut with Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981) and delivered several memorable hits, even becoming the voice of Salman Khan in the 1990s with some blockbuster hits like Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (1994). His collaborations with Ilayiaraja and S Janaki are particularly popular in Telugu. He was also an occassional actor, making appearances in quite a few films since the 1970s. He has been felicitated with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, six National Awards and host of Filmfare and Nandi Awards. The great singer passed away on 25 September, 2020.

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