While the singer continues to be critical, people from all over the state come together in a show of emotional solidarity for the legendary singer.

By Anannya Srusti

The state of Tamil Nadu witnessed an out-of-the ordinary event on Thursday (20 August) when people from all over the state irrespective of religion, caste and tribe joined their hands to pray for the speedy recovery of singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. Fondly known as SPB or Balu, the iconic playback singer has been battling COVID – 19 in a Chennai  hospital. He continues to be critical and is on life support. 

A prayer meet was led by superstars Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Tamil industry’s veteran director Bharathiraja. Singer,composer and music producer A.R Rahman, songwriter Ilaiyaraaja and lyricist Vairamuthu also joined the mass in solidarity for the singer. An emotional Bharathiraja had also appealed to the people to play a song sung by SPB, praying for his speedy recovery. 

Temples from all over the state saw hundreds of devotees offering ‘Deeparadhana” (special prayers with lamps) while many public places saw fans joining the prayer rallies with lighted candles in their hands. Other prominent people joining the prayer meet included chairman of Apollo Hospitals group Dr Pathap C Reddy and yesteryear actress Saroja Devi, film director Thankarbachanand and actors Sivakumar and Prabhu. Commenting on the same, Actor Sarat Kumar said, “This is an unprecedented event in Tamil Nadu and no public figures has received such adulation and love from the people.”

Several social media platforms also witnessed scores praying for his recovery with hashtags such as “#GetWellSoonSPBSIR” and “#SPBalasubrahmanyam” trending. Fans were seen singing some of the popular renditions of the 74 year old singer, like “Nalam VazhaEnnalum Vaazhthukkal” (Our wishes for your well-being) and”Unnal Mudiyum Thambi,” (You can do it brother). 

The assistant director of MGM Healthcare Dr. Anuradha Baskaran had earlier stated, “He (SPB) continues to be critical on ventilator and ECMO support in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. Our multi-disciplinary team of clinicians have been actively collaborating with national and international experts and continue to closely monitor his vital parameters.”

Balasubrahmaniyam was admitted to the hospital on 5 August upon being tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. A week later, he was put on life support after suffering a setback in his health.