SPB Fans' Messages

This page is a selective compilation of messages sent to SPB through email and member posts in the all exclusive Yahoo Group [SPBFANS] created for and by his fans in March 2003 (better late than never!). The excerpts of the mails in this page is intended to share the heartfelt love, respect and admiration showered on SPB by his fans across the globe.

Respected Sir,

My heartiest congratulations to you on being bestowed with much coveted Padmashree Award. It is really a great honour for living legend like you and to the Indian Music Industry. In fact, I personally feel that you should have been bestowed with Bharat Ratna immediately after superb rendition of songs in Shankarabharanam Film and not after such a long gap. You are really beyond any awards. YOU ARE REALLY AN INSTITUTION.

I am sure all your family members must be delighted on this great occasion. My heartiest congratulations to your family members also.

It should be Padmashree has been bestowed with Shri S.P. Balasubramaniam.

Your Die Hard Fan
Balaji

Hello Sir,

I have been a great fan of tamil film music and I grew up as a kid in Tambaram, Madras listening to songs from tea shops and neighbours' radio (we couldn't afford one on our own then). I was fortunate to be born in 70's (1972 exactly) because I could grow with growing careers of Ilayaraja and yourself. Then it was only film music that interested me until 1987. One evening, a man changed my mind upside down with his powerful voice and drew me to classical music. It was your colleague (can I say that) Mr Yesudas. I became a slave to that voice. And slowly, I started to get interest in classical music (only to a listener level) and now I enjoy every good music, I do not restrict myself only to Yesudas. I listen to Dr Balamurali, Shri Maharajapuram Santhanam. When I listened to you singing recently in New Jersey (your concluding programme) 'Sangeetha Saahithya Samalankruthey', I was deeply touched with your classical practice and effortless maneuver to octaves. 

With Greetings,
Lakshmi Venkataraman, Chicago, USA

Hello Sir,

You were blessed with an amazing gift...to move people through your voice...and let me tell you, Indians around the world are moved. Your voice has an extraordinarily youthful quality. I have always listened to your film songs and have always loved them. I am now being moved by your devotional songs as well, in Sivam. I am a university student and I find it helps me to study. 

If I could ask one question, it would be why you don't make more movies (as an actor)? From the films I've seen, you seem well suited for it. I congratulate you on the reception of the award...no one is more deserving. Thanks for the melodious memories.

-- Ashok, Ottawa, Canada

Balu Garu,

Congratulations on getting Padmasree award for 2001. I'm a fan of 3 people in the music industry. Ghantasala, KV Mahadevan and you. Most of the songs that I have are of these three people. You're the only singer in the world who sang songs in numerous languages. I particularly listen to your Hindi songs (Dil Deevana, Kabhi Haste Hain and so on) and the songs that you sang under KV Mahadevan's music like Sankarabharanam, Saptapadi, Sirivennela and so on. Especially the songs that you sang with Ghantasala Prati Raatri Vasanta Raatri(Ekaveera), Ennallo Vechina Udayam(Iddaru Mitrulu).

Good Luck!
Prasad Kaki, Ohio, USA

Dear Mr.Balu,

There is no single day in 33-year-old life that I have not heard your voice. Thanks a lot, my generation is blessed.

Many of the composers whom I meet here tell me that they got into this field because of their parents and religion. But for me it is 2 people one is the great Mel Isai Manner Shri MSV and next is simply you. I do my composition thinking you are singing for me. I get some emotions in the song purely based on your singing. I am not just glorifying you here; I really mean what I say.

-- Srikanth, USA

Dear Balugaaru/Balu Sir/Balu the Great, 

How shall I address you.. I can only say 'one who stays in the hearts of millions & millions of people'...May god bring you more glory, happiness, health, wealth & everything that would make you even more energetic.

Over a period of say 15 years, I've undergone lot of changes... But one thing has remained unchanged, that is, love for you & your voice.

If I say that you're a greatest singer/I'm your greatest fan etc.etc, I would be wasting your time. Actually, it is as good as saying to Sun that he shines.

I would also like to say, that, by not honouring you with best singer award, Karnataka government has made blunder... As a Kannadiga I feel ashamed of this!!!

Truly yours...
Subramanya, Mysore, India

Dear SPBji,

You are an excellent singer and one of the best India has produced and one of my favourite singers. Your songs are great and your rich voice has been a treat to hear. I hope you continue to bring joy to many with your singing.

-- Ali Rashid

Hello,

I love you as much as I love my father. Such a sweet person you are. Without listening to your voice, at least once a day.... my God! I cannot even imagine. To be very frank, many times, when I was having serious problems, I have come back to this earthly life after listening to your music. I still remember the day, when there was a hot argument and I slowly started getting severe chest pain and I was breathless. My brother knowing about my flair for your music (& Raja's too), played "Nalam vaazha ennaalum". I don't know if people will believe this, all my pain vanished and I became absolutely normal in seconds. Thanks to the God who has given you to us. You and your music will/should never die and make people happier forever.

Prabhu with Love, Singapore

Dear SPB,

Words cannot express the love I have for your voice and the respect I have for you being such a nice person. I have read in a lot of magazines about your sweet nature and I truly believe that it is the purity in your heart that makes you express yourself so beautifully in all your songs.

I listen to your songs when I am happy, excited, overwhelmed, sad or depressed. Your voice helps me get through any troubles in life. I am just not kidding.. It is 100% true..

Even if I am given a chance to be born all over again I would just wish that I am bestowed with the gift of listening to your sweetest voice in all my births.

Respects and regards,
Ranjini

Hi SP,

I am one of your fans who started listening to your songs at a very early age. I one of those who remembers almost every kannada song you have sung till now. I still hear your songs. Your voice becomes melodious day by day. I want you to continue to sing so that we fans can look forward to listening more and more melodious songs from you. 

-- Varadaraj, India

Hi Balu garu,

I'm a music maniac (not just filmi music). Your voice has been a part of life and I guess it's with lots of people, not just me. I can use all good adjectives in the dictionary to describe your voice.

I happened to listen to your Tamil song "keladi kanamani padadhan sangadhi" through a Tamil friend of mine. And this is what made me write to you now. I just can't tell you in words how much I enjoyed it. I wanted to tell you immediately how great the song was sung.

It's not just about your voice. Lots of people have good voice. But the involvement in the song and the stress you give upon certain syllables is amazing. I may not know the language you are singing in but can still make out the feelings and the mood of the song by your voice modulation. And this is unique to you. I always felt it but after listening to this particular "keladi kanmani", I somehow wanted to tell this to you.

These are the songs that wouldn't have been the same if somebody else had sung.
- Pehlaa pehlaa pyaar hein in Hum aapke hain koun - the stress on "woh hein NISHAA"
- Priyatamaa naa hrudayamaa in Prema - the tone of the song was beautiful. The sadness is felt.
- Kalalonainaa kala kanaledhe in Nuvvu vasthaavani - it was melodious. 
- Maate manthramu in Seethakoka chiluka
- Kurisenu viri jallule in Gharshana - it was semi classical tone

And the songs of the GREAT K.Vishwanath's movies needn't be mentioned!! They are history. All in all, I wanted to thank you for all the happiness and joy you gave me through your voice.

-- Tara Smitha, Vijayawada, India

Sir,

I do feel I should write down all that I feel. Most of it is beyond words due to your sheer brilliance.

I was listening to music while working here in the US in my school. I heard to Simla Special(1982)..Unakkena song..which was fantastic. Then came Sagala KalaVallavan..Ilamai Idho Idho..which I believe to be the best disco/dance song ever produced in India..Raja's music was brilliant..and the variation in ur voice blew me away.

Then I wanted more of your voice and moved over to Sigaram.I am still awestruck by how u got Balamurali Krishna and Yesudas to deliver two really good songs and then topped them yourself in same album with Vannam Konda..which again was so touching. And then to the commercially inclined, I am listening to Innum Ennai Enna seyya pogirai from Singaravelan. Which is so nice to hear..mild music.great fun!

And then the actor in you is so good..from the comic Minsara Kanavu and Kadhalan..to the sensitive performances in Sigaram and Keladi Kanmani.

I am still dumbstruck.I have in my personal collection more than 200 of ur songs..mostly with Maestro..and am still collecting.

I am really crazy about music esp with carnatic/classical touch to it..and Raja and you have produced so many in the myriad carnatic ragas..that I am still asking for more! I only hope and pray ur collaboration continues...and u also produce more good music with all the new MDs..although I feel they aren't able to draw out the best in you..Rahman produced a few gems for u..in Duet.

My thanks to the Almightly for giving us you..your voice and presence does make a big difference for musically inclined people like me..for whom a good day doesn't pass without good music.

Kudos to you Sir..and May God keep you for long..in the best of health..so that millions like me..continue to benefit from your genius!

-- Rangaprabhu

My Dear SPB Anna,

We in Sri Lanka are proud of your achievement in getting your name Recorded in the Guinness book.

I always enjoy your sweat voice. Your song "Mun Paniya Muthal Malaya" in Nanda is a big hit in Sri Lanka and all the radio stations are playing the song many times a day.

More than a singer I see a real human being in you. Your attitude and respect you have for others and your humbleness is something which I really appreciate.

Good luck for your career and wish you a good health and voice.

-- U.A.Mawjooth, Sri Lanka

Dear S.P Balu sir,

I am basically from Madras... You and Ilayaraja are favorite. You are like God to me. I just simply love your voice... I have a lots of you songs in my collection... I wish I can have all of your songs but...30 thousand songs... Gosh.. .what an achievement Sir...yet you are still a kind and humble person as I understand.

As far as I am concerned, you are the best singer that Indian cine industry has even produced. Please keep singing and make millions and millions of fans like me happy and proud.

-- Nagarajan, USA

Sir,

I'm big big fan of U. I'm hearing your voice since 10 years when I was just 15 years old. I listen ur voice in "Maine piyar kiya" and I got mad about ur singing style. Then I was decided to collect your collection and I have done this work. The big draw back is I cant understand "tamil/telugu" songs but I listen that songs just for your voice. 

It's very difficult to say any anything about your singing style. I swear that I don't have the words which will suits you. I'm proud that all time you are my favorite and I ever keep u in above to others singers and every song which u sung that become legend and cross the boundaries. Mostly
singers has their substitute but I'm 1000% sure that we don't have a substitute of you.

My all prayers and blessing with you.... God bless you.

-- Sheraz Ahmed, Pakistan

Sir, I truly believe you are the greatest singer with the voice of an angel. Your voice sets my heart alight when you render any song and it sends shivers down my spine when I hear you sing. I would love to hear you sing in person and it has always been my greatest dream to meet you sir.

-- Madhav Sethu

Respected Sir,

We are blessed to have a singer of your calibre amidst us who always inspire and mould younger singers to become someone in life just as how you perceived in your profession with dedication and sheer commitment. It a blessing to Andhra Pradesh and to our nation.

Sir, whenever I am on the internet, I always search for your home pages or sites to know you better and understand the person you are so that I can at least be a part of you and to be as dedicated and committed as you are.

I love music and I do sing with thee as my mentor. I practice on your tracks and believe me sir it's a great feeling to sing your song cos they are rich in melody have depth of your voice.

I'm greatly thankful to you sir for your contribution to Indian cinema and music. Sir, please continue to sing as long as possible and we are with you. I will always remember you in my prayers to almighty father in heaven.

Your obedient disciple,
Sudheer Krupal, Gujarat, India

Balugaaru!!! Namaskaaram!!!

I am an ardent fan of yours. I clearly remember ever since my childhood days I have been listening to your songs and have purchased many many cassettes of yours. Your voice is truly magical and indeed the very personality of yours is divine. I just can't digest songs sung by any
other singer.

Once again, all I wish to tell you is that your personality is JUST DIVINE... and I wish you many more years of singing life... that's what you had told about Ilayaraja isn't it in your program Ede Tumbi Haaduvenu, you had told you wish him many more years of composition life.....I wish you many more years of singing life.

your ardent fan
Arun Nagaraja Sastry, Saudi Arabia

Dear SPB,

Oh, this is such a great website! One of my Indian friends just told me about it today. I am not Indian but love Indian films and film music, especially Tamil. Two years ago we saw AR Rahman in Toronto and when you came on stage to the strains of Oruvan Oruvan I was so excited that I lost control - I screamed so loud that I scared the family sitting in front of us! My poor husband! But I didn't care, that scream of joy came straight from my heart. At that time I did not know about the large Tamil population in Toronto so, I never expected to hear any Tamil songs. I was
really excited.

-- Donna, USA

Sri SPB garu, my Guruvu garu ki,

I really don't know how to express my love, respects, and my great admiration towards you. From the day I started to listen music and stared to know what music is I began to love you and your divine voice, it's like SWEET HONEY FLOWING. In telugu there is a saying *Chevulu kosukovadam*

When I was in India I never missed your *Paduta Teeyaga* program. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST and GOD BLESS YOU. I always thank god for giving such a good and great singer to us.

Regards (Love)
Sujata

Sir,

I am one of your millions and millions of die hard fan, enjoying and cherishing the songs rendered by you since you started singing, really god bestowed on you sweet voice. It is very difficult for god to create a singer like you, because you voice is like a flower that blossoms once in a decade.

I love your hard work and dedication. Nowadays I know you are selective in songs and seems to be good. since all the songs sung by you in the recent times seem to be simply scintillating. Even though as day the progresses so many singers are entering tamil film music, most of the people say they never felt any one of those have the quality of SPB OR KJY. Both of you are gods gifts to our country. I am in the process of collecting all your songs and have some.

You acting capability seems to be extraordinary and can easily establish yourself as one of the leading actors.

I will pray to god you golden sweet voice will be with you always to give happiness and pleasure to all your fans.

with best regards,
Raju.T

Dearest Mr. S.P.B,

Wishing your very happy birthday and stepping forward on to your 57th, during your life span age, you have achieved the top most spot in the filmdom with your wonderful and melodies performances in the film world and on the stage, thereby capturing the hearts and souls of the millions and millions of year ardent fans spread far and wide of the globe, and out of which I am also one of them.

I trust that with almighty God's wish and will you will be rendering your melodies voice "God's gift" and marking happy all your millions of ardent fans for another 50 years span. I hereby pray to the almighty creator of mankind to shower his blessings to keep you in the pink of condition in the years to come.

Yours truly,
A.M.M.IHTHIZAM, Sri Lanka

From [SPBFANS] Yahoo Group:

I am Naren. I always feel proud to say everybody that I am a fan of S P Balasubrahmanyam. I feel there are many great things that everybody should learn from him. His ever affable attitude, his mellifluous singing, and more over his dynamic orative skills really embrace me a lot.

Everybody will sure be attracted to him when he sings, or he talks on a stage. Starting his career from ground zero, he achieved unreachable targets. But still, I never found himself proud of his achievements. That is his great character.

Bye
Naren

From [SPBFANS] Yahoo Group:

It's a pleasure to write about the legend. I don't think, I even have the right to address him by name...He is a legend and I am an ardent fan of his....I guess his simplicity is what makes so lovable.

He is so humble and he has never forgotten his roots...to make a mark in the industry without any godfathers is not a mean feat. He has not only sung in many languages but also mastered them. I am basically from Karnataka and I have heard a lot of his Kannada, Tamil and Hindi songs than Telugu...Though my mother tongue is Telugu, I have heard more Kannada songs than Telugu and he is just amazing.

Cheers,
Viji, Bangalore, India

From [SPBFANS] Yahoo Group:

Balu anna as I would like to address him though I am much small compared to this insurmountable genius. This intimate addressing this legend is out of the closeness I feel to him for which the linking force is his melodious voice.

The reason I admire this genius is because he is not only a great singer but also a great Human being good at heart and magnanimous in gestures. This is a rare quality which we hardly come across in great artistes of his caliber. 

I had read somewhere that great artistes and personalities have some sort of an addiction....which is gracefully termed as artistic license. When I look at this legend hardly its easy to say that.......

I pray for his good health and a long hale and healthy life.

Let Balu Anna's bandwagon keep rolling.....................

Regards and Cheers
Venkat, India

Hi,

I adore SPB's singing and especially the way he sings adds more melody and sweetness to songs making it just amazingly enjoyable!!

I am a student from Maryland, U.S.A. My entire family appreciate his singing very much andi. Ayana padina patalu ennisarlu vinna.... yeh vayasu vacchina vinna adhe maduhuryam adhe anandam. 

***His singing heals our souls in current day situations and tiring life.

In short ,his songs make our life, just pleasant!!!!!!!

YOU ARE A PROUD ASSET TO INDIA!!

Thank you for reading my message.

Vinny, USA

I am Lenny Appalsamy from South Africa. I consider myself one of Balu's biggest fans. I was honoured to meet with Balu on his tour to SA. a few years ago. In fact i also took a photo with him after the concert. Although he announced that he would not meet anybody during the intermission, I sent a special request and Balu mentioned this during the second half of the 
concert. Guess what? He actually performed my request, from the film Sankarabharnam-the song -sankara. I am also fortunate in that, I had been corresponding with Balu previously-he sent me an earlier photo (B/W) of himself from his photo album. I was also able, via the medium of our local Indian radio station, radio Lotus to arrange a small workshop with local Indian musicians. Balu was so modest when I mentioned his stirring and excellent renditions in Shankarabharanam and Thagayya. Balu is everything you guys mentioned and much much more! His renditions in Annamayya are also superb. I am Telugu but i love all his songs nonetheless.

Love and kind regards to all his fans worldwide.

-- Lenny, South Africa

"Voice Inspires" is very much true regarding our balu guru. It was during 1996 that his voice inspired me to the extent that I have penned few songs which has to be defenitely sung by him only. I am sure that I will succeed in bringing out an private album with him very soon.

Prabhanjan

Congratulations! This is a great site for this Great Personality. One gets to learn so much from him - as a singer, musician, personality, humbleness and so on. One last thing: We should all feel proud and blessed that we are living in the same period as Sri. SPB.

Please log in to view the discussions & photos I had with Sri. SPB in my web site www.newyorkraja.com. Thank you.

Raja, New York, USA

I have so many remarkable days in my life which includes the telephone chat with Balu sir also. Now another new feather has been added in my cap by meeting Balu sir. I got the autograph from him by standing very closer to him. But I could not able to speak freely as the crowd was heavy. How beautiful he is!. He sang a glorious devotional song on 'Lord Saraswathi" called "Maanikka Veenam". What a golden voice. The voice is going in to the ears smoothly as a feather goes. Sweet Sweet really Sweet. His speech too. Balu sir Hats off to you and you only.

Thanks
Balaji

Best Regards
Mohan 

Salute to the Legend, Sir, I won't get in to how much I admire your music for two reasons. You must have heard this more than anybody else in the world & what ever I say would be an understating How much I really do admire. I am a HUGE HUGE FAN of your live concerts. Your improvisation of songs on stage is extremely enjoyable to watch. I recently heard the Valiosai (Satya) and Enna Satham (Punnagai mannan) improvised so brilliantly that I was moved to tears. Sometimes, it makes me so happy to listen and i find myself laughing at those brilliant moments. Whatever you want to change in your life, please don't change this. All the best and wishing for your continued success in your career.

-- Srinivasan, Middle East

Dear SPB Sir, I am one of your million & million of fans. I have no word to express my feelings about you and the time never end to talk about your wonderful ever green voice. Your voice touch everyone's soul directly. I challenge no singer could give such a beautiful expression like you, and each and every song of you remains in my heart till the death. My long time dream is to meet you for atleast just a minute. I dont know it will happen or not, but God can only help me in this.If I get the chance, I am the luckiest person in all means and I thank the Almighty for the same. 

-- Subha

I am very much impressed by the website of the Great Singer Balu Sir. I love all songs of Mr.Balu Sir. I pray God every day for his Happy Healthy Long Life. Not only he is great in Singing and also he is proved that he is a good actor in a drama directed by Great Balachandar. In this drama Balu sir acted with actress Lakshmi.

-- Tawfeeq, Singapore

Dear Sir,  Its been a great pleasure to write to you. I have been your fan from the time i got to listen to songs. You are the best and theres no match. God has indeed given us the indian s such a talent. Sir..i do not know whether do you still remember this particular song whch you sang for shivaji roa. The song title is chinna chinna megam. Your rendition was perfect. I wish you many more success and all the best wishes. Thanks.

-- Shashi

Saraswati putrulaku pranamamulu. Hope this mail finds you in the best of your times,springs of your health and high spirits. Of innumerable number of your fans i am one and i proud being so. whenever i hear voice from anywhere i just start hearing it and loose myself.I am not eulogising you but it's really true. We look forward to hear your voice in the coming future too. Bye and Thanks for sparing your time reading me.

-- Chittella Aditya 

Dear Bala, Words cannot express all I want to say. I'm an Indian born in Madurai but raised in the States. I moved here when I was 10, which was about 18 years ago. I've enjoyed watching tamil films ever since I was a kid. I used to go see a movie every sunday with my uncle. I Just cherish those rajini and Kamal songs you sung. To say your voice is one in a million would be an understatement, your voice is the only one; that's all. Your site is great, I really like reading the interviews. Your voice flows like water, it takes on whatever shape the container requires. I can't say more. In my marraige, during the "Vilayadal", they asked both of us to sing and I sung the first two lines of Padaiappa. Your voice is so rich, so full and so soothing to the ear. Your son sounds just like you, which is absolutely great. You should definitely do an album, may be not in the vein of Hari Haran's colonial cousins, but something much bigger. I find that today's Indian music tries to copy american music too much, which is a shame. The classic songs from the 80s were unique and had Indian style, now the music just sounds like everything else in America. Best wishes.

-- Karthik Swamy, USA

Hello Sir I am one of ur devoted fans in Tamil,doing final year BE in Coimbatore. My favourite of urs is "Thevathai Ilam Devi Ennai Suttrum Avi" I pray God to give strength to you to live in this world for a long time and make us happier forever with ur mesmerizing voice.

-- T Uthaya Kumar, India

Great SPB sir is a model person of my life. I also dream each and every day that atleast I could sing a song of him with 0.001% of melody he has and even it is my life ambition that atleast I can meet him in person. website of such aperson is really a place of web where sangeeta saraswathi exists. I hope it would be much more better if we had his songs collection made online (old songs) so that every fan of him can access and hear. Anyway hatsoff to the great personality SPB sir who is really pride of our Andhra pradesh.

-- AM Anthony Johnson, India

Dear Sir, I am an avid fan of yours and it is truly a boon that I belong to the generation that has had the honor of listening to your timeless singing. I totally admire your modesty and humbleness, inspite of having achieved so much. Salutations to you sir. Regards and Namaskarams,

-- Shwetha

Balu garu, I don't know much about music. But I have heard lot of film songs and devotional songs of yours. I like annamayya & sri manjunatha film songs. Infact when i was searching for these two film songs to download in mp3 I saw your website. I was so excited when I realised that am going to mail you. Really you have got amazing gift from god. Feelings are just shaken, who listens to your songs. Especially when I hear song from manjunatha (paadam divya paadam)and annamayya (brahma kadigina paadamu) just tears comes out of my eyes unknowingly. There might be infinite singers who can bloom in this world. But, No one can sing like you. May god bless you with another life and make me daughter of yours or a disciple of yours.

-- Uma, Boston, USA

Pranaamamulu.........My prostrated pranaamamulu to his peerless voice! Words really fail to praise his incredible talent..! Isn't it amazing to hear that this versatile genius has brought out the melodies of mayuri, calling himself an amateur in music. Sir.........I am a great fan of your's, great fan of ilayaraja's,a great fan of music. In 2002 Dec,You have come to Hyderabad to witness nallan chakravartula's music program at ravindra bharati. I was so desperate to see you,to touch your feet, that I did not care to skip my prep. for GRE the next day. I was spell bound when I witnessed your 'Ye divilo virisina parijathamo'. I shall cherish that moment forever. I collected all your 'toli patalu'. cassettes. There is no single day that I do not listen to your songs. My b'day gifts are your cassetes and CD's.

-- Deepika, India