Hyderabad: Remember the song 'Aate Jaate...' which ushered us into Maine Pyar Kiya? Yes, the man who added the right tang to Salman Khan, Kamal Hassan's numerous hit tracks and marked it in memories, is S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB). Being Salman's romantic voice and inseperable from Kamal, the singer never failed to steal hearts with his mellifluous tone.
The success of Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) made SPB a permanent playback for Salman in the muscular bhai's early days. However, by then SPB's journey in Hindi film music was already more than a decade old. His stint in Bombay can be divided into two phases — pre and post-Maine Pyar Kiya.
His surreal voice added a great procurement to his award list. The ace-singer had recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 Indian languages and bagged the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs.
After singing for the Sultan actor's various films, SPB decided to retire from singing as to pursue a full-time career in acting and production.
Meanwhile, singers including Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan and others soon stepped into Balasubramaniam’s shoes and crooned music in Salman's films.
Though Balasubrahmanyam stepped down from the music world, he captured a significant place in many hearts for his heavy yet soulful voice in Salman's biggest blockbusters. While talking about his contribution to Bhaijaan's hits, we present to you some of his must-listen tracks.
The lovely ballad 'Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai' from Sooraj Barjatya's blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun? became a love anthem, thanks to SP Balasubrahmanyam's velvety voice and Lata Mangeshkar's melodious jugalbandi with him.
The song 'Tumse Milne Ki Tamanna Hai' from the film Saajan (1991), starring Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. It was a blockbuster and the music from the film played a vital role in making it a memorable one.
Though the film Pathar Ke Phool (1991) didn't do well at the box office, the track crooned by Lata Mangeshkar and Balasubrahmanyam was a super hit.
READ | In Remembrance: Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam
One of the songs that became a rage along with the film Maine Pyar Kiya. Mere Rang Mein... comes at a crucial point in the film which tests Salman and Bhagyashree's relationship; SP Balasubrahmanyam's rendition does full justice to it.
The song 'Saathiya Tune Kya Kiya' is one of the most romantic songs ever from a rather forgettable Love (1991), starring Salman and Revathi. Chitra's fresh and lilting voice was new to Bollywood and it created magic along with Balasubrahmanyam's playful vocals.
Besides being superstar Salman Khan's voice in 90's, Balasubrahmanyam and actor Kamal Hassan laboured collectively in a number of iconic movies of their careers.
It was said that SPB cannot be separated from Kamal's films. Though, it was evident enough at the reception for his rendition of 'Pudhu Maapillaikku' from Apoorva Sagodharargal. If you recall the chorus portion, which goes 'Babbabbaa babbabbarae', you would be surprised to know that it was sung by SPB.
Besides, tracks including Swatimutyam, Sagarasangamam, Marocharita, Sadma, Akali Rajyam and Ek Duje Ke Liye are among the many few movies the duo collaborated for.
SPB is one of the rare singers who has won six national awards, and another one for his contribution over four different Indian languages.
He won three national awards for his songs in Telugu, and one each for Tamil, Hindi and Kannada.
With the incredible versatility he puts in his rendition, SPB was the first choice of every music director in the 80s, 90s and early 2000. And, is a proud recipient of highest civilian awards like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the Government of India.
From being a voice to greats like Dr. Vishnuvardhan (Kannada), Kamal Hassan (Tamil), Rajnikanth (Tamil), Salman Khan (Hindi), Mohan Lal (Malayalam) to have performed like an actor on the mic, the journey of SPB will ever remain as a remarkable one in the history of Indian music.
