Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last on Friday at 1.04PM at the MGM Healthcare hospital in Chennai after being admitted for testing COVID-19 positive on August 5. The 74-year-old singer-actor had been undergoing hospital treatment for more than 50 days and had steadily begun to show signs of significant improvement. However, things took a bad turn when the six-time National Award-winning singer's health began to worsen on Thursday evening, with MGM Healthcare officials in their statement saying maximum life support had been extended as his condition had turned critical. With SPB no more, his death has come as a massive shock for his countless 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, actor-director Silambarasan TR has released a statement in memory of SP Balasubrahmanyam, in which he recalls his various experiences of working with the iconic singer. STR's statement is as follows: "How many thousand songs? Is it even possible for a man to keep singing them? Like a sparrow, he flew and captivated the world with his voice. Reaching out across all languages, he was the King of Voices and achieved greatness."

STR added, "Our SPB is not an ordinary singer. He was a voice doctor who was sent into this world to keep good-hearted people happy and comfort those who were burdened with troubles. His relationship with my family and the memories are unforgettable. 'Paadum Nila' came to sing a song my father had composed. I was a little boy who was sitting and observing the recording. Had it been others, they would have objected to singing any further. After seeing me, he greeted me with his smile and kept confidence in me and sang without any objection. It is an incident I cannot forget to this date."

Simbu continued, "Similarly, Kadhal Azhivathillai was the first film I acted as a hero. Balu sir sang the 'Ivanthaan Naayagan' song in the film. The voice that first uttered the words 'Ivanthaan Nayagan' is the one that continues to keep me as a hero. I'm eternally grateful to you, Balu sir. A person who doesn't hurt anybody, one who apologizes in case he has made a mistake, like a child he lived all throughout his life. I bid farewell and once again wait to welcome on this land Paadu Nilave.. Love you.."

Below is STR's press release tribute to SP Balasubrahmanyam: