A voice that has given joy, inspired and consoled millions of people around the world for over five decades, legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam is no more with us. The 74-year-old was admitted at the MGM Healthcare hospital in Chennai on August 5 after testing positive for COVID-19 and passed away on Friday at 1.04PM. Having undergone treatment for more than 50 days, SPB was declared COVID-19 negative prior to his demise, but suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest after his health condition had deteriorated despite being put on maximum life support. With SPB no more, the singer's death has come as a tremendous shock for his countless fans around the world who have been sharing their condolences, including celebrities and reputed personalities from various walks of life who have been honoring him in their tributes.
A six-time National Award-winning singer, SP Balasubrahmanyam was laid to rest with full state police honors at his Thamaraipakkam farmhouse in the Tiruvallur district on Saturday. Among the several notable celebrities to come in person to offer their condolences to the late singer-actor was actor Vijay, who was seen providing solace to the family members, including comforting SPB's son SPB Charan. Amidst the huge number of people that had gathered, it came as a surprise when 'Thalapathy' Vijay showed up in person to honor the legendary singer.
With many online showing appreciation towards all the celebrities who had participated in SPB's funeral proceedings including Vijay, one small incident caught the eye of several when the superstar was being escorted to the site. It has been shown that Vijay, while being taken across to honor SPB, bends down and hands over the slippers of a fan from whose feet it was displaced. A simple effort, nonetheless, it has won the hearts of fans everywhere who have watched the video. Many have complimented Vijay for paying attention to the surroundings, including looking out for the crowd.
It is well-known that both SP Balasubrahmanyam and Vijay have shared a close bond in their friendship over the years apart from them starring together in Priyamaanavale, which showed the duo as father and son. Subsequently, SPB has sung for Vijay in a number of films over the years among which include three songs in his debut film, Naalaiya Theerpu, in 1992. The celebrated singer also sang such hit songs as 'Enna Azhagu' in Love Today, 'Bharathikku Kannamma' in Priyamudan, 'O Thendrale' in Endrendrum Kadhal, 'Adida Melathai' in Kannukkul Nilavu, 'Kuyilikku Koo Koo' in Friends, 'Adi One Inch Two' and 'Santhosam Valkaiyin' in Youth, 'Azhagooril Poothavale' in Thirumalai, 'Athi Athikka' in Aathi, including 'Pattu Onnu' in Jilla, all of which continue to be popular among fans even today.
Watch the video of Vijay being escorted to SP Balasubrahmanyam's funeral below: