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Musically yours

He is a man who gives life to lyrics. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam chats with K. Jeshi on his long innings in the field

PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

MESMERISING MILLIONS EVEN TODAY S.P Balasubrahmanyam

If listening to him is a delight, an exclusive rendezvous is unforgettable. So, a few minutes of wait for a tête-à-tête after a stage show do not matter. As promised, he walks in and with the trademark smile lighting up his face, says, "Thanks for your patience." That is S. P. Balasubrahmanyam for you.

He continues to mesmerise millions with his effortless singing, whatever be the genre. The Guinness Book of World Records calls him an artiste 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.

Blessings matter

"Achievements and awards have been 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. Does the current crop of singers with a base in classical music put him off? "I'm amazed by their knowledge. Often, I have felt I should have taken music lessons. Training in Carnatic music helps one 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. In that sense, I have learnt my lessons right; I have no regrets."

Becoming a singer, he says, is destiny. "There are 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. Have your own style and voice concept and try to improve."

SPB favours technological advances and says his transition from the harmonium days to the present when technology plays a key role, 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 given rise to more opportunities for current-day singers, and he says: "I'm happy that singers now get opportunities more easily. Maybe, because of technology. But also because people like A. R. Rahman wanted variety and introduced new voices."

But the problem is too many voices and singers, who "come, sing and are forgotten. I wish them a long career. At least a handful of talented singers should have been nurtured and given more opportunities. With six songs being sung by six different people, they are neither here nor there. It may be healthy for the industry, but we don't even know who is singing." Why do today's songs lack staying power? Even now, it is melodies such as Ithu oru ponmaalai, Thogai illamayil, Illaya nila and Tere mere beech mein that continue to top many youngsters' list of favourites. To this, he flashes his characteristic smile. "I am glad I am still everybody's favourite." And continues, "Where do you have situational songs in films now? Only such songs stay in people's memory. Today, songs are used like fillers. Add them or remove them, it makes little difference. I hope it is a passing phase."

Fans wonder why SPB has cut down on his singing.

"From 500 songs, I now sing 100 a year. And, I am not unhappy for not lending my voice to the kind of songs being composed now," he says.

As the conversation veers towards today's film music, he says the Western influence is rampant and the craze for loud orchestration has resulted in cacophony. "Just for the beats, you cannot sacrifice the lyrics," he says.

SPB has a fan following for his acting too. Who can forget the wisecrack doctor in Avvai Shanmughi or the caring father in Kaeladi Kanmani? To this, he points to his sparse whiskers, and says, "This is for a Telugu film. I am now choosy and accept only characters that suit me."

Four decades on, and his voice continues to work magic. How did he manage to change with the times? "Do you think I achieved it? It just happened. I have just been 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.

A request for a song and he signs off in style humming, Nilavae vaa. For, he never says no to his fans. Another secret of his success.

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