S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is one of India’s finest playback singers who have worked in Bollywood, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil cinema. He made his singing debut way back with ‘Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna’, a Telugu movie in 1966. He stepped into the Hindi music industry with ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’ (1981) and the title song was a huge hit. Almost equivalent to a legend, he has sung many super-hit songs in the 1980s and 1990s, and made a comeback with the title song from the movie ‘Chennai Express’ in 2013. Also known as S.P.B. or Balu, he has earned a number of awards during the course of his work, including six National Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer. As the king of melody turns 72 today, let’s take a look at some pictures that remain popular beyond time.
“Oh Maria” From ‘Saagar’ (1985)
Capturing the excitement of a Christian wedding, two musical legends S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Asha Bhonsle came together to create this masterpiece. The liveliness and energy level required for this song was perfect, and we cannot stop tapping our feet to it even after so many years.
“Saathiya Tune Kya Kiya” From ‘Love’ (1991)
A melodious song from the early 1990s, it is picturized on the playful love relationship between Salman Khan and Revathy Menon’s characters. It has been sung by S.P. Balu and Chitra, and the lovely music does bring back some great memories. The number has also been used in Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s ‘2 States’ (2014).
“Yeh Haseen Waadiyan” From ‘Roja’ (1992)
One of the most super-hit romantic songs of its decade, S.P. Balu and Chitra have created magic once again in this song. The gorgeous valleys of Kashmir, the soft background score and the love between Arvind Swamy and Madhoo’s characters make it a song that every 90s kid appreciates even today.
“Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai” From ‘Hum Aapke Hai Kaun’ (1994)
Way before today’s love-song singers, S.P. Balu defined the melody of first love in this number. The picturization of the song brings back to us the soft and dreamy feeling of romance in the air, with a touch of fun and mischief such as the scenes Salman Khan and Madhuri dance to the winds.
The beauty of tuneful music is something that we have totally lost on. S.P. Balu’s contribution to the music industry, may it be Hindi, Telugu, Kannada or Tamil, is something unforgettable. Let us travel back to the sweetness of the 1990s with his charming rendition of music.
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