P Susheela expresses shock over SP Balasubrahmanyam’s demise: “It’s a big loss for me”

Leaving millions of his fans in dismay, renowned playback singer of Indian cinema

SP Balasubrahmanyam

has passed away in Chennai on Friday afternoon due to a cardio-respiratory arrest. The

final rites

of the 74-year-old took place at his farmhouse in Tamaraipakkam on the outskirts of Chennai with full state honours. Several members of the Tamil film fraternity like playback singer Mano, directors Bharathiraaja and Ameer, actors Vijay and Arjun, and music composer Devi Sri Prasad have paid their last respects to the legendary singer.

Expressing shock over Balasubrahmanyam’s demise, renowned singer

P Susheela

remembered her association with the Nellore-born personality and said that she still can’t digest the fact that he is no more. “I never thought corona could create this kind of devastating impact. It tormented and eventually took away a precious thing called SP Balasubrahmanyam from us. His existence as a playback singer, actor and host has created a lot of work for several people in films and TV. It’s unimaginable to think that Balu is no longer with us and he will be missed,” she said.

“Not only in India, SPB has large groups of die-hard fans in several countries and everyone is grieving upon his death. I remember the first time when we gave live performances in London and America, and we did the same for 55 long years. During his initial days, Balu has mesmerised

Ghantasala

with his impeccable singing skills and managed to croon some beautiful classics. I am unable to digest the fact that he is no more.”

The 84-year-old national award-winner added “By hosting shows on Television, SPB has brought several amateur singers into limelight and nurtured them with his experience. We have to be very lucky to see another Balu and personally, it’s a big loss for me. I offer my deepest condolences to all his fans and family members.”

Initially hospitalised in August for testing COVID-19 positive, the health condition of Balu deteriorated further in the next few weeks and he was kept on ECMO and other life support measures. Just when it looked like SPB was making steady progress towards betterment, his condition turned ‘extremely critical’ in the last 24 hours and eventually, he was declared dead at 1:04 PM on Friday.