SPB put on life support, millions pray

SPB put on life support, millions pray

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:15.08.2020

Millions of people in the city and across the world began fervent prayers on Friday for the speedy recovery of S P Balasubrahmanyam after a Chennai hospital said the legendary singer was put on life-support after his condition became critical.

Minutes after the announcement, messages wishing him speedy recovery flooded social media, none more poignant than buddy Ilaiyaraaja’s special video message: ‘Balu Seekarama Yezundhu Va (Balu, Recover Soon).’ Speaking of a relationship going back many decades, the maestro said they had a lot more to do together. “Though we have had many fights, we know that it was never serious.” Pointing out that they began their careers in the film industry after being stage singers during their days of struggle, the ace composer said they remained inseparable.

Later, SPB’s son and playback singer SP Charan tweeted: “…#spb is critical but is in safe hands ….. We are all confident that #spb will be back with all of us sooner than later. Thank you all for your concern and prayers. (sic)”

The multi-faceted 74-yearold, who has sung more than 40,000 film songs in at least 14 languages and has several devotional songs to his credit apart from composing music and acting in several films, was admitted to MGM Healthcare on August 5 with mild Covid-19 symptoms.

A bulletin issued by hospital assistant director Dr Anuradha Baskaran said there had been a setback in his health. “In a late night development on August 13, his condition deteriorated and based on the advice of the expert medical team attending on him, he has been moved to the ICU and is on life support.”

Dr Baskaran said he was under observation by a team of experts from critical care, and his haemodynamic and clinical parameters are being closely monitored.

On August 5, SPB, in a video message on his Facebook page, said he had tested positive for Covid-19 and that though doctors had advised him home isolation, he decided to get himself admitted to hospital. He also requested people not to call him as he wanted some rest.

Hospital sources said the legendary singer was under observation by a team of experts from critical care, and his haemodynamic and clinical parameters are being closely monitored