He is in the Guinness Book of World Records for having sung the highest number of songs that have peaked at over 35,000. He remains the most loyal and lucky voice of Rajinikanth, one that even a music maverick like AR Rahman doesn’t risk not having in a Rajini album. He is Kamal’s most trusted voice for dubbing in his Telugu flicks, even as he shares a friendly rapport with the actor. SP Balasubramaniyam is not a fastidious singer, but an entertainer that you will encounter as a singer, music director, producer and actor in South Indian cinema.

A 35-year-long affair with the Indian music scene, SPB has had the privilege to work with the industry’s legends, including MS Viswanathan and KV Mahadevan, apart from his long-time friendly and professional association with the Isaignani. He interestingly is also the recipient of the National Award for songs in Hindi (Tere Mere Beech), Tamil (Thanga Thamarai), Telugu (Cheppaalani Undi) and Kannada (Umandu Ghumandu Ghana Gar Je Badara).

In terms of music, he has scanned the entire spectrum, from carnatic to jazz. And not belonging to the prudish clan of singers, Balu, as he is fondly called, is still a hot choice in live in concerts and is an unfailing entertainer with his antics on stage.

Being in an age when singing talent is found dime a dozen, SP Balasubramaniyam, a Padmashri recipient, has awards and records up his sleeve that none can imagine of. Let’s celebrate him as he lives on for many more years. Happy birthday, the Master of Modulation.