Tamil News

SPB Dedicates His Centenary Award To Mother, Martyrs

Prolific singer SP Balasubrahmanyam was conferred the Centenary Award at the opening ceremony of IFFI at Goa on November 20. He was given the award by Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu.

“I dedicate this award to my mother and all those who have martyred themselves to keep us safe here. This award is to all those at the border. I dedicate this to you, with pride and humility. We are nothing without you,” Balasubrahmanyam said, according to a PTI report.

The singer was felicitated for his ‘remarkable journey in Indian cinema as a singer, actor and producer’.

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The singer also said that he was ‘happy’ that he was still able to work. “I am embarrassed to know how ancient I am. But I am happy that I am still working. I am grateful to my parents, my guru who gave me my debut, my poets, musicians, technicians. I am grateful to my listeners who have not forgotten me yet. My journey is fruitful because you’ve been with me.”

Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, made his singing debut in 1966, with a song in the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna. The song was composed by his mentor SP Kothandapani. SPB went on to sing approximately 40,000 songs, a record for any singer.  He has received six National Awards, and has been conferred the Padma Bhushan and Padma Sri awards, the second and third highest civilian awards in India.