Singer SPB

 

"The melting voice through mazes running, Untwisting all the chains that tie the hidden soul of harmony." - Milton, L'Allegro

 

A voice, dulcet with an amazing range. An imagination that can capture every human emotion. An energy that is prolific and prodigious. Can all these attributes dwell in one singer?

 

To millions who know him, SPB has all these and more. Speaking of Rafi, Lata once said that even audiences who did not speak Hindi were moved by the emotive power of his voice. The same can be said of SPB's voice. In a single concert, or in a single collection, SPB can take his listeners along with him on a rich and colourful emotional journey across states of mirth and melancholy, romance and revelry, reflection and abandon, leaving them ecstatic and breathless. His passionate portrayal of sublime emotions makes his audiences experience them together, uniting their souls as differences disappear and a sense of oneness prevails, which is arguably the greatest compliment, a categorical and conclusive acknowledgement of his contribution and service to Art and Mankind.

Making his debut in 1966 as a singer (Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna) for music director and mentor Kodandapani, SPB has sung over 36,000 songs in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam. He holds the Guinness record for the most number of songs rendered by a male singer.

Much loved by everyone in the film industry, SPB is highly regarded by musicians and composers for his versatility and virtuosity. Despite a vigorous singing career spanning 4 decades, SPB has donned several other avatars, giving of his best in every one of them and enjoying the variety of the experience to the full.

 

Actor SPB

 

His avatar as an actor is SPB's gift to the millions of his admiring fans. A human being who gives his all to every endeavour, SPB enjoys his performances so much so that his dedication and sincerity are evident in every character he plays. Equally manifest is the enthusiasm and verve that he experiences through the opportunity to perform with other actors.

 

For his fans SPB as an actor is a most natural extension of his warm and sincere personality. They have always 'heard' him 'act' while singing, and seeing him in celluloid served to bring him closer to them.

 

SPB thrilled his audiences with memorable roles in Manathil Uruthi Vaendum, Thiruda Thiruda, Keladi Kanmani and Sikaram, to mention a few Tamil films.

 

 

Music Director SPB

 

A great admirer of Dr M Balamuralikrishna and Dr K J Yesudoss for their stature in classical music, SPB has often spoken of his immense respect for the classical tradition of India and his reverence for composers. Modest and unassuming about his achievements, SPB has explored his capability as a composer without fuss and fanfare.

 

Given his passion for music and the close and long association he enjoyed with many great music directors like K V Mahadevan, M S Viswanathan, and Ilayaraja, SPB's turning into a composer himself is to be expected sooner rather than later.

 

Producer SPB

 

He even produced few films like Mayuri (Tamil), Shubasankalpam (Telugu), Bhamane Satya Bhamane (Telugu), Tenali (Telugu)

 

Dubbing Artist SPB

 

Among his many avatars, the one as a dubbing artist is perhaps the most surprising and unexpected. Yet, SPB donned it with his characteristic zest and involvement.

 

Clear voice, fine diction, and empathy with the character distinguished SPB's contribution as a dubbing artist. Ever the perfectionist, SPB brings to bear the ring of sincerity and depth upon the performance of the actor to whom he lends his voice.

 

That someone of the calibre of Kamal Hassan chose SPB to speak his lines is a clear acknowledgement of the singer's emotive ability.

 

SPB has also dubbed for Bhagyaraj, Mohan, Girish Karnad, Gemini Ganesh, Naresh, Karthik and Raghuvaran.