Kamal Haasan remembers SPB: He was part of my life, my romance and my first love

Legendary playback singer SP Balasubramanium breathed his last today. He was 74. In his career spanning five decades, he had recorded over 40,000 songs in several languages. SPB's death has left a huge vacuum in the film and music industry.

Kamal Haasan recalled his memories with SPB. He said, “It is like saying when did you first speak your language? When did you first see your mother or brother? You don’t remember it at all. Especially when the bond becomes very strong. Only after his demise, you realize what a big part he was of your life. I heard him first before I saw him. Like everybody’s life, he has been a part of my life, my romance, my melancholy, part of my first love and marriage."

Kamal added, "I used to tell him that he was the reason for my first marriage. That is the kind of relationship we had. And professionally, we were knitted together by popular choice. It was not like we chose each other, the audience chose us. Since they loved us and we later became brothers.”

Kamal also said that SPB is a national singer and that he can’t be limited to one state. SPB has sung in over 16 languages in his five decade long career.

“He was a very educated singer, well read and well mannered man. When he finished his 30,000 songs, I wanted to talk about it and he told me not to and said it will look like he is showing off. He took criticism and appreciation the same way. Everyone who remembers Balu sir will remember him for his kind, humble demeanor. I try to imitate him and I am still trying,” said Kamal.

Kamal said SPB was a great fan of Mohammed Rafi. “I have seen him become nostalgic every time he heard a Mohammad Rafi song.”

Talking about his favourite song sung by SPB, the actor said, “During Uttama Villain he sang live. Usually he dubs my Telugu movies but for Uttama Villain, I chose to dub myself. He came for the music release function. He said, 'I usually dub for all his Telugu films but the last two films I didn’t. But I will always be his voice.' He sang Tere Mere Beech Mein on stage and that will be his best song for me. I saw him sing that song live and I could feel the warmth of his body, he hugged me after the song.”

Talking about SPB’s acting career, Kamal said, “I can boldly say that I twisted his arm to come into acting.He was a very busy singer. He used to keep second Sunday’s free for Kannada songs. And he had a record of recording 12 songs a day. He usually would sing eight songs a day but one Sunday he called and told me that they made him sing 12 songs. He is unbelievable. If Covid had not hit him, I am sure he would be singing every day.”

Kamal said, “He never forgot the kindness with which he was treated as a young singer and he imparted it to young singers. They loved the respect he gave them.”

Talking about his bonding with SPB, Kamal said, “There is a show in Tamil and in that SPB said he will show why he and I were made for each other and he started singing one of his songs and he asked me to lip sync it. He changed the way he sang the song and I followed him. When he was asked how I knew his mind. He said that I knew him well and which is why I was able to do it. I was so touched."

Kamal added, "The reason why he made me to dub Telugu films is a decision he took like an elder brother. I got a break in Telugu with Maruvu Charitra and it was a big hit of sorts. SPB told me that I should dub for all the original films and that he would dub for all my dubbed films. He said that the audience would know which are original Telugu films and dubbed Telugu films. I crossed the line where in the film sagara sangamam as he was not having time to record and he made me record it live. I took the cue from ilayaraja. It was part of a scene, and it was like a drunk character in that sequel and my voice just suited that. My senseless singing helped that character.”

Kamal concluded, “I am here to celebrate the man and not to mourn him. He was family to me. We have been together for 50 years of my life.”

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