SPB to be cremated at his farmhouse with state honours

Renowned singer S P Balasubramanyam would be laid to rest with police honours, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami said. The funeral is scheduled to be held on Saturday, according to the covid protocols. His mortal remains were taken to his Red Hills farmhouse on the outskirts of Chennai and will be laid to rest there.

The legendary singer’s body was taken to his residence in Nungampakkam in Chennai for public homage in on September 25. A large number of people gathered at his residence to have a last glimpse of the singer and pay their respects.

From youngsters to senior citizens, people lined up on sides of highway enroute his farmhouse. They showered flower petals on the van carrying the singer’s body.

Despite restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, SPB’s residence here saw an unceasing crowd of fans, well-wishers and political personalities including DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of the Dravidianparty chief M K Stalin to honour the singer.

Police had a tough time controlling the crowd of fans who had gathered to pay their last respects. Iconic music composer and a close friend of SPB for over 50 years, Illaiyaraja mourned the singer’s death in a moving video post.

The acclaimed musician said he had no words todescribe the irreparable loss and added,”Balu, I told you to come back. You did not listen and have gone..have you gone to sing for the Gandharvas? (forms of life higher than humans according to ancient Hindu belief), the world has become a Sunyam (emptiness) with your passing. I have no words to describe the loss..there is a limit for all grief but not for this.”

SPB’s another long time associate and veteran Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja said he has no words to describe the loss of a close friend for over 50 years. “I am in grief. I cannot talk. I have no words,” he said.

Music composer A R Rahman posted a video, “voice of victory, love, devotion and joy,” honouring SPB on his Twitter handle.

The official statement from MGM Healthcare in Chennai said that despite maximal life support measures, the singer died of a cardio-respiratory arrest. He passed away on September 25 at 1:04pm. The singer had been admitted at MGM Healthcare since August 5 after he tested positive for coronavirus. He tested negative for Covid-19 on September 5.