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Yours, musically

Four decades and still going strong, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam talks about his journey

PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

A WINNING COMBINATION Talent and humility

If listening to him is a delight, a rendezvous is unforgettable. Padma Shri S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is a gifted personality, whose voice continues to mesmerise millions with his effortless singing. The Guinness Book of World Records calls him an artist with the maximum number of recorded songs (over 36,000 songs in many languages and counting), six national awards, a successful innings as a dubbing artiste, actor and composer... his phenomenal success is no ordinary feat.

"Achievements and awards have been a part and parcel of my journey. Being part of the industry for three to four generations is due to luck, blessings and hard work," says the singer. SPB never had classical training. Do the current crop of singers with a base in classical music put him off? "I'm amazed by their knowledge. Often, I have felt that I should have taken music lessons. Training in Carnatic music helps one to grasp tunes quickly. But, there is more to music — the capacity to express, the way you feel the song, and putting your heart and soul into it. I have learnt my lessons right."

Becoming a singer, he says, was destiny. "There are very talented people who cannot become singers. And, there are `very ordinary singers' like me who have become singers. What I tell budding singers is, be original. If you try to imitate someone, you will not get any recognition. Develop your own individual style." SPB favours technical advances and says his transition from harmonium days to new technology has been smooth. "Technology makes recording much easier for singers. However, how it is being used matters. There has to be a balance so that it doesn't take away the soul of the song."

Ask him if technology has brought opportunities on a platter for newer singers, and he says: "I'm happy that singers now get opportunities easily. It's not only because of technology, but also because composers like A. R. Rahman want variety and introduce new voices."

He also rues the lack of songs tailor-made for situations. "Where do you have situational songs in films now? Today, songs are used like fillers. Add them or remove them, there is little difference," he says, adding, "I just hope it is a passing phase."

Ask him why he has cut down on playback singing and he admits, "Instead of singing 500 songs, I now sing 100 a year. And, I don't miss out on not lending my voice to the kind of songs being composed now," he adds.

SPB has a fan following for his acting too. Pointing to his sparse whiskers, he says, "This is for a Telugu film. I am now choosy and accept only characters that suit me." Four decades, and his voice has continued to work its magic. How did he manage to change with the times? "I have just been very sincere. I respect my profession but I also love life. So, I enjoyed it. Even today when I face the microphone, I feel it is my first song," he says.

JESHI. K

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