SPB was a wonder in the world of Indian Cinema. There was a time when all the aspiring young music composers dreamt of working with him at least once in their life time. For many South Indian music composers, one of their aim is to make sure SPB sang in their composition. He was one of the most revered singing star in the modern day Indian Cinema.
In a way he is one of many anomalies Indian Music Industry has produced. He never formally learnt music. He started listening to songs via All India Radio from there he picked up musical notes and singing. He was born in a Telugu speaking family, when he was trying his luck in singing Tamil songs he was told to learn Tamil as like Super Star Rajinikanth. He started learning Tamil by reading words written in walls and posters. He was a very fast learner and picked up Tamil language within short time. Then the rest is history. After a lukewarm entry into Tamil film music, his life changed ever for the better after he lent his voice to MGR with “Ayiram Nilave Vaa”(Thousand moons, Please arrive). He is one of thousand moons who arrived and then mesmerized everyone with his beautiful voice and talent.
SPB was not only a sensation in singing songs. He has done music composition for 45 films spanning across multiple languages and has worked in lot of films as an actor too. His notable works as music composer include Tamil films Sigaram, Thudikkum Karangal and Telegu film Mayuri on classical dancer Sudha Chandran.
Instead of pursuing the path laid down by Ilayaraja during the 1980s, SPB as music composer tried blending latest trends with notes of Thiyagarajar Keerthanas. One of the song in movie Sigaram “Agaram Ippo Sigaram Aachu” is still one of most popular song under his composition. Sharing his experiences about composing background score and music for Sigaram, SPB laid down the popularity to singers who worked with him. He said “It comes so naturally, there was somebody to write down what I sing, I sing like a mad man. It turned out to be beautiful. I got some gifted singers. What else could I ask for? I enjoyed what I did.”
As an actor also he has achieved lot of accolades. In the movie Sigaram for which he composed music, he himself acted as protagonist and it was very well received. He is one of the unique film star like Gangai Amaran, Kamal Haasan who has touched many aspects of film making like singing, composition, acting and also producing movies. He has got innumerable number of awards including multiple National Awards for his singing.
He along with his son, produced movies under their banner Capital Films. Notable one include Chennai 600028 which was a runaway hit and also Aaranya Kaandam which went on to win several accolades across the world and has achieved a cult status.
SPB is also known for his humility and simplicity. He had sponsored Viswanathan Anand’s team Chennai Colts in 1983 for a national championship.
Really sad to hear about the passing away of such a great yet simple person. He was my first sponsor! He sponsored our team Chennai Colts in the national team championship in 1983. One of the nicest persons I have met. His music gave us such joy #RIPSPB
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) September 25, 2020
Once on a trip to Sabarimala, he fell at the feet of all the palanquin bearers who were to lift him to the Ayyappa temple.
This is his sabarimala trip.
SPB falling on the feet of the dolly men who were going to carry him. He also requesting his son to do the same.
What a humble spirit. 🙏
What a personality. Such a high profile celebrity.RT pic.twitter.com/ZXMPdbGmAF— RVAIDYA2000 (@rvaidya2000) September 26, 2020
In February 2020, he had donated his ancestral house in Nellore to the Kanchi Mutt in the presence of Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal for running a Veda Patashala.
With his voice he has elevated the taste of music audience across India. Never in a thousand years he can be replaced.