Legendary Indian playback singer SP Balasubramanyam, 74, died today in Chennai, according to Indian media.

Quoting his son, SP Charan, Indian media said the singer took his last breath at 1.04 pm in the afternoon.

The singer tested positive for the novel coronavirus in early August and was subsequently hospitalised. His condition worsened in September and on Sept 23, he was deemed critical.

SP Bala, who mesmerised his fans with his rendition of songs from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam to Hindi has sung more than 40,000 songs.

Among his many notable songs include the award winning songs from Sankarabharanam (The Jewel of Shiva), a 1980 Indian Telugu-language musical drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath.

The movie, for which SP Balasubramanyam was the playback singer for the actor who played the lead role of an aged carnatic singer, became a hit and ran for many days in Indian theatres.

.The singer who has also acted in several movies, will certainly be remembered for his wit, sense of humour and the unforgettable great voice.

-- BERNAMA