# S. P. Balasubrahmanyam > Indian playback singer (1946–2020) **Wikidata**: [Q2049688](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2049688) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._P._Balasubrahmanyam) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/s-p-balasubrahmanyam ## Summary S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (1946–2020) was an Indian playback singer, composer, actor, and recording artist renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema and music. He is celebrated for his prolific career spanning over five decades, during which he recorded more than 40,000 songs in multiple languages, earning numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. ## Biography - **Born**: June 4, 1946 - **Nationality**: Indian - **Education**: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur - **Known for**: Playback singing, composing, and acting in Indian films - **Employer(s)**: Primarily worked as a freelance playback singer and composer in the Indian film industry - **Field(s)**: Music, film, acting ## Contributions S. P. Balasubrahmanyam made significant contributions to Indian music and cinema through his extensive work as a playback singer and composer. He recorded over 40,000 songs in various Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam. His work includes iconic songs in films such as "Maine Pyar Kiya" (1989) and "Roja" (1992), which have become timeless classics. He also composed music for several films and acted in a few, showcasing his versatility. His collaborations with renowned music directors and lyricists have left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. ## FAQs ### Q: What is S. P. Balasubrahmanyam known for? A: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam is renowned for his prolific career as a playback singer, having recorded over 40,000 songs in multiple Indian languages. He is also known for his contributions as a composer and actor in Indian cinema. ### Q: What awards did S. P. Balasubrahmanyam receive? A: He received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, which are among India's highest civilian honors. He also won several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his outstanding contributions to music. ### Q: Which languages did S. P. Balasubrahmanyam sing in? A: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam sang in multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam, showcasing his versatility and widespread appeal. ### Q: What is the significance of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's work in Indian cinema? A: His work as a playback singer and composer has significantly influenced Indian cinema, with his songs becoming iconic and timeless. His collaborations with renowned music directors and lyricists have shaped the musical landscape of Indian films. ### Q: Where did S. P. Balasubrahmanyam study? A: He studied at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur, which is a state public university in Andhra Pradesh, India. ## Why They Matter S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's contributions to Indian music and cinema are unparalleled. His extensive body of work as a playback singer has set a benchmark for excellence in the industry. His ability to sing in multiple languages and his collaborations with top music directors have enriched the cultural heritage of India. His influence extends beyond music, as his work has inspired countless artists and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. ## Notable For - **Prolific Playback Singer**: Recorded over 40,000 songs in multiple Indian languages. - **Award-Winning Career**: Received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, among other prestigious awards. - **Versatile Artist**: Known for his work as a singer, composer, and actor in Indian cinema. - **Iconic Collaborations**: Worked with renowned music directors and lyricists, creating timeless classics. - **Cultural Impact**: His music has significantly influenced the Indian film industry and continues to inspire new generations of artists. ## Body ### Early Life and Education S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was born on June 4, 1946. He pursued his education at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur, where he developed a passion for music and singing. ### Career as a Playback Singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam began his career as a playback singer in the 1960s. Over the next five decades, he recorded more than 40,000 songs in various Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam. His versatility and unique voice made him one of the most sought-after singers in the Indian film industry. ### Notable Works and Collaborations Some of his most iconic songs include those from films like "Maine Pyar Kiya" (1989) and "Roja" (1992). He collaborated with renowned music directors such as A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraaja, and M. S. Viswanathan, creating timeless classics that continue to be popular today. ### Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam received numerous awards and accolades. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, which are among India's highest civilian awards. He also won several National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards for his outstanding contributions to music. ### Acting and Composing In addition to his singing career, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam also acted in a few films and composed music for several others. His work as a composer showcased his deep understanding of music and his ability to create melodies that resonated with audiences. ### Legacy and Influence S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's legacy extends beyond his extensive body of work. His influence on Indian music and cinema is profound, inspiring countless artists and shaping the musical landscape of the industry. His songs continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences worldwide, ensuring that his contributions to music will be remembered for generations to come. ### Personal Life and Later Years S. P. Balasubrahmanyam passed away on September 25, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and artistry. His contributions to Indian cinema and music have cemented his place as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the industry. ## References 1. [‘Paadum Nila’ S.P. Balasubrahmanyam no more. 2020](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paadum-nila-sp-balasubrahmanyam-no-more/article32693844.ece) 2. [Source](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1692337) 3. MusicBrainz 4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology 5. [‘Paadum Nila’ S.P. Balasubrahmanyam no more. The Hindu. 2020](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paadum-nila-sp-balasubrahmanyam-no-more/article32693844.ece) 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. BBC Things 8. Genius API 9. Quora 10. The Movie Database 11. Musixmatch 12. YouTube API