- Legendary Singer died on 25 September 2020 at the age of 74
- Balu recorded 40,000 songs in 16 languages over five decades
- Only name from entertainment industry with second highest civilian honour
- New Delhi: S.P. Balasubramanyam, popularly called Balu, was awarded Padma Vibhushan Award posthumously for his contribution to the world of Art and Cinema. Legendary singer breathed his last on 25 September 25 2020, due to Covid in Chennai. The last song recorded by the legendary singer was titled Annaatthe Annaatthe, for superstar Rajinikanth’s flick, which hit theatres last week. SP Charan, son of Balasubrahmanyam, accepted the award from President Ram Nath Kovind at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah were present among others.
Balu was also a recipient of many other honours for his work who has been awarded with highest Civilian award like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan earlier. He bagged six National Film Awards for best male play back singer and as many as 25 Nandi Awards for his work in Telugu cinema. On November 8th, Padma Awards were held at Rahstrapathi Bhavan presided by President Ram Nath Kovind and the ceremony was attended by PM Narendra Modi, Vice President Venkiah Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah.
SP Charan, son of Balasubramnyam, took on Face Book on Sunday before he left Chennai for Delhi and wrote that it was sweet sorrow for them.
Mega Star Chiranjeevi took on Twitter which reads “Elated at the announcement of “ Padma Vibhushan” to my beloved brother SP Balu garu. Most deserving honour. Pained to see the suffix (posthumously), wish he were here to personally accept. Music Director Devi Sri Prasad was extremely happy with SPB being honoured by the Government.