S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as S. P. Balasubrahmanyam or simply SPB, was a legendary playback singer, music director, actor, and producer. With a career spanning over five decades, he recorded more than 40,000 songs in 16 Indian languages, making him one of the most prolific singers in the world. Known for hits like Tere Mere Beech Mein, Dil Deewana, Hum Bane Tum Bane, and countless South Indian blockbusters, SPB’s soulful and versatile voice made him one of the most iconic figures in Indian music history.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
- Popular Name: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam / SPB
- Date of Birth: 4 June 1946
- Birthplace: Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Date of Death: 25 September 2020 (aged 74)
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer, Music Director, Actor, Producer
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Parents: S. P. Sambamurthy (father), Sakunthalamma (mother)
- Spouse: Savitri Balasubrahmanyam
- Children: Pallavi Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Charan (singer, producer)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 78 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
SPB was born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, into a family with a musical background. His father was a Harikatha artist and a musician. Though he initially studied engineering, his passion for music led him to pursue singing.
He participated in many competitions and was discovered by music directors who gave him early opportunities in Telugu cinema.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Debut & Rise
SPB made his playback singing debut in 1966 with the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna. Soon, he became a dominant voice in South Indian cinema, working with composers like Ilaiyaraaja and later A. R. Rahman.
Bollywood Stardom
In the late 1970s and 80s, SPB entered Bollywood and achieved immense success. Some of his most famous Hindi songs include:
- Tere Mere Beech Mein (Ek Duuje Ke Liye, 1981)
- Dil Deewana (Maine Pyar Kiya, 1989)
- Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai (Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, 1994)
- Hum Bane Tum Bane (Ek Duuje Ke Liye, 1981)
- Saathiya Tu Ne Kya Kiya (Love, 1991)
He became the default voice of Salman Khan during the 1990s, especially in films like Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!.
Multilingual Mastery
SPB sang extensively in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, among other languages. His versatility allowed him to sing classical, devotional, romantic, and folk-based songs with equal ease.
Collaborations
He shared long-term collaborations with Ilaiyaraaja, M. S. Viswanathan, A. R. Rahman, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, and Anu Malik, among many others.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2011).
- 6 National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
- 25 Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh state awards).
- Multiple Filmfare Awards (South and Hindi).
- Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs in a single day (21 songs in Kannada, 1981).
- Recipient of Indian Film Personality of the Year Award (2016) at IFFI.
Personal Life
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was married to Savitri, and the couple had two children – Pallavi and S. P. Charan, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a singer and producer. Known for his humility and generosity, SPB was admired by colleagues and fans alike.
Death
SPB contracted COVID-19 in August 2020 and was admitted to a hospital in Chennai. Despite initial signs of recovery, his health worsened, and he passed away on 25 September 2020, leaving millions of fans mourning across the world.
Legacy & Influence
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam’s legacy is unmatched in Indian playback singing. His voice transcended generations, and his contribution to both South Indian cinema and Bollywood made him a pan-Indian icon. From soulful ghazals to peppy romantic tracks, SPB’s versatility and dedication earned him the title of one of the greatest playback singers in Indian history.
FAQs
1. What was SPB’s first playback song?
Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna (Telugu, 1966).
2. How many languages did S. P. Balasubrahmanyam sing in?
Over 16 languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
3. Has SPB won National Awards?
Yes, 6 National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
4. Did SPB receive Padma honors?
Yes, Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2011).
5. When did S. P. Balasubrahmanyam pass away?
On 25 September 2020, due to post-COVID complications.
