Remembering SPB

The passing away of S P Balasubramaniam is a great loss to film music lovers. A versatile, he sang in many languages. The greatest virtue however is that he was a great human being.

In our own little way as a mark of respect, our Moorthy Clan (a WhatsApp group consisting of the families of Aunty’s six sisters, brother, their children and families – say about 50) decided to observe SPB-week. There is already a frenzy sharing clippings of one’s favourite songs, his last appearance, his last song, and what have you.

I have nothing similar at hand to offer. But, as Shashi Kapoor said in Deewar, Mere Pas Maa hai. I shall pen some of what I have heard or seen about SPB.

My first and foremost impression about him is that he is an epitome of humility - full of sincerity; no doubt about it. This is not to suggest that he will be remembered more for this than the everlasting contribution he has made to film music. These seldom go hand in hand, but in his case they do in full measure. 

Hear his words of praise about Mohammad Rafi in a programme anchored by Sonu Nigam. How well he explains the nuances of Rafi Sahib’s unmatched renderings, with examples. 

Few would have failed to watch in their own WhatsApp groups SPB washing the feet of the Malayalam idol Yesusdas – in what I would consider the highest form of respect to the latter. SPB is reported to have said something like this, “I sing music, but Yesudas sir lives music”.

Yet another clipping that is doing rounds is the one where when on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala he was taken in a doli. See the humility with which he touches first the feet of all those who were to carry him to the shrine. Any one else in his place would have thought he was doing the men a favour by allowing them to carry him. 

Monopoly is the name of the game in film line. Every hero resists a new face to emerge; no music director wants someone else to usurp his place; nor does any singer want any other to enter his fiefdom. Amidst these Lakshmikant Pyarelal had SPB sing all songs in Ek Duje Ke Liye, not wantonly though. LV Prasad, the producer, stipulated that he would engage Laxmi-Pyare if they let SPB sing all the songs. All eager to add another famous banner to their kitty, they agreed. And SPB didn’t disappoint LP.

I learn SPB is on Guinness Book of Records for having recorded 17 songs in one single day. His voice fitted so well Salman Khan that not only did all of Maine Pyar Kiya songs top the chart, they helped Salman, then on his second film, to reach the top of the ladder. 

An engineer by qualification, a singer par excellence by occupation, and humane by deeds, SPB is a man of many parts. Not only just the music world, but all will lose a great human being.

Once again the words of Kannadasan, the foremost Tamil  lyricist, come to my mind: “Chave, un chavu eppo?” Translated in Hindi, “Yeh Moth, teri moth kab hogi”, or in English, “Oh, Death, when is your death due?”