Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away on Friday at 1.04PM at the MGM Healthcare hospital in Chennai after testing positive for COVID-19 on August 5. The 74-year-old singer-actor had been at the hospital for more than 50 days, but had suffered a relapse in his health condition on Thursday evening, despite showing signs of recovery and being declared COVID-19 negative a few days before. MGM Healthcare officials in a statement about his demise said that maximum life support measures had been extended to the six-time National Award-winning singer, but his condition deteriorated further and he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest. With SPB no more, the news of his death has come as a massive shock for millions of fans around the world who have been sharing their condolences, including celebrities and reputed personalities from various walks of life as well paying their tributes.
Now, National Award-winning actor 'Chiyaan' Vikram has released a statement in which he shares his condolences for SP Balasubrahmanyam, while also honoring the Indian music legend. His statement reads as follows: "If you liked music that crossed boundaries like language, you would like him. I too am one among the crores of fans who has admired and adored the beauty of his voice, the majesty in it, including his knowledge of music. I mourn the loss of SPB. I express my deepest condolences to his family and music lovers. I pray to God that he rests in peace."
SP Balasubrahmanyam had a role to play in 'Chiyaan' Vikram's entry into cinema as the iconic singer had sung three songs in his debut film, En Kadhal Kanmani, in 1990. However, the most memorable song for fans during the early stages of the actor’s career came when SPB sang the chart-buster 'O Butterfly' in the 1992 film, Meera, composed by 'Maestro' Ilaiyaraaja under cinematographer P. C. Sreeram's direction. Since then, SPB has gone on to sing a number of memorable songs for Vikram such as 'Eduda Antha Sooriya' in Pudhiya Mannargal, 'O Podu' in Gemini, 'Patthu Viral' in Arul, 'Jagada Thom' in Deiva Thirumagal, 'Shiva Thaandavam' in Thaandavam to name a few.