SPB, the true 'Commercial Gandharva' of our times

Not many know that celebrated singer SP Balasubramaniam who has 45,000 songs to his credit is perhaps the only singer who has sung the highest number songs composed by him alone. As the man with the magical voice turns 71 on June 4, here's how the Sandalwood's popular composer Kalyan likes to remember him.

"It is always a pleasure to talk about SPB. He is one of the finest human being as I have seen. SPB's songs have the power to melt many a hearts but what many do not is the fact that he is very humble and kind-hearted," says Kalyan. Usually, track singers are made to sing anew song before it is rendered by SPB. But, if SPB is impressed with the rendition of the track singers, he insists the music directors to retain the track singers' version. "This way he has nurtured many a budding talents," says Kalyan.

In fact, SPB's first rendition in Kannada was in 'Nakkare Ade Swarga' movie (1967). This was his second song in his career and from there, he never looked back. He has been the voice for almost all the prominent Sandalwood stars. Not just here, he has rendered songs for Bollywood heroes and in other languages which makes him a rare singer.

"Almost 80 per cent of the songs composed and penned by me have been sung by SPB. In 'Muddina Mava' movie, he had even acted in a song "Deepavali...Deepavali" made famous by Dr Rajkumar in his mellifluous voice," recalls Kalyan.

SPB has an amazing memory power. He vividly remembers incidents, people and their names. He is very generous and never loses an opportunity to help someone in need. Not many know that he does not receive remuneration for concerts organised for social causes. He always respects music directors, irrespective of their age and never lets the ego come in between them.

SPB is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and from young age he is familiar with various religious rituals observed for Shiva. SPB's father was a noted Harikatha vidwan and singing was in his genes. SPB is well-versed in Sanskrit. Although Telugu is his mother tongue, he never rests from sprinkling the non-Telugu songs with its distinct native touch to make it more melodious.

 Yet, not having learnt music - in a traditional style - has always been his concern. But the depth and the pitch force that one can find in his voice truly makes him the 'Commercial Gandharva'. The way he has maintained his deep and magical voice to this day, reflects his sheer passion for singing and the deep knowledge he has about 'Swaras'. It would not be an exaggeration if his birthday is termed as 'Gandharva Dina', observes Kalyan.