Kerala-Tamil voices unite in tribute to SPB

Palakkad turned into a hub of nostalgia on Tuesday (April 1, 2026) evening as leading South Indian singers united to honour the enduring legacy of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) with a grand musical tribute.

The tribute began at the V.T. Bhattathiripad Cultural Complex at Yakkara, where a 10-foot statue of the maestro, sculpted by Unni Kanayi, was unveiled jointly by Oscar-winning composer M.M. Keeravani and SPB Charan. Plans are afoot to develop the site into a musical park celebrating SPB’s timeless melodies.

The celebrations then moved to Fort Maidan, drawing thousands of fans for Sangeetha Megham, a concert organised by the Singers Association of Malayalam Movies (SAMAM). The event brought together a stellar line-up of artistes who paid homage not only through words, but through soul-stirring performances.

The stage came alive with iconic voices, including Hariharan, K.S. Chithra, Sujatha Mohan, Unni Menon, S.P.B. Charan, Keeravani, Mano, Vijay Yesudas, Srinivas, Madhu Balakrishnan, Afsal Ismail, Jyotsna, Biju Narayanan, Rimi Tomy, Sithara Krishnakumar and Stephen Devassy, all coming together to honour SPB with a magnificent musical tribute.

The audience was treated to a seamless blend of powerful vocals and a masterfully arranged 18-piece orchestra, elevating the evening into a visual spectacle as well as musical feast.

As Chithra and Unni Menon reflected, the event stood as perhaps the largest musical tribute ever organised in Kerala for a single artiste—a testament to the unparalleled legacy of SPB and the affection he continues to evoke.

The event began with a Ranga Puja dance performance by Kalamandalam Sophia Sudeep and team. Kallara Gopan opened the musical tribute with a soulful rendition of SPB’s first Malayalam hit, Ee Kadalum Maru Kadalum.

S.P.B. Charan, saying he had never witnessed a grander tribute to his father, rendered Sangeetha Megham Then Sindhum Neram. Chithra, who sang the most number of Malayalam and Tamil songs with SPB, joined Afsal Ismail to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Tharapadham Chethoharam.

Pradeep Somasundaran sang Tere Mere Beech Main, followed by Mano’s classic Oruvan Oruvan Muthalali, bringing energy and nostalgia to the stage. Mano was later joined by Chitra Arun for a melodious duet of Sundari Kannal Oru Sethi.

Keeravani mesmerised the crowds with Sruthiyil Ninnuyarum Naada Shalabhangale, and followed it with a heartfelt rendition of Nilaave Vaa. With Naina, he rendered his famous Malayalam duet Sisirakaala Meghamidhuna Rathiparagamo.

Anoop Shankar, who emceed the show, sang Thelusa Manasa from Telugu movie Criminal together with Chithra. Then Chithra joined Nishad to sing SPB’s own composition Idho Idho En Pallavi.

Hariharan enthralled the audience with soulful renditions of Aayiram Nilave Vaa and Kathal Rajaave. Later, he joined Chithra to unveil the image of the upcoming SPB Memorial Park.

The stage became a hub of celebration as the singers sang Sujatha Mohan a happy birthday. Sangeeta Sreekanth and Anwar Sadat brought energy to the evening with Ottagatha Kattikko Gettiyaaga Ottikko.

Unni Menon performed Panivizhum Malarvanam, while Madhu Balakrishnan mesmerised the crowd with a soul-stirring rendition of Mannil Intha Kaadalandri.

S.P.B. Charan sang Kannai Kanaimaane and Neela Vaana Odayil, while a special video message from Rajinikanth added glamour to the tribute. Srinivas and Jyotsna charmed the audience with Oh Butterfly Butterfly, and Palakkad Sreeram and Ganga received roaring applause for Omkara Nadhaanu Sandhaana from the classic Sankarabharanam.

Adding a playful touch, Y.G. Mahendran even whistled a song, bringing laughter and delight to the evening.

Biju Narayanan and Rimi Tomy enchanted the audience with Guruvayurappa Guruvayurappa. Sitara Krishnakumar and Anoop Shankar added a lyrical touch with Malare Mounama, while Stephen Devassy and Vijay Yesudas energised the last moments with En Kaathale.

The finale saw all the artistes come together to perform Kattu Kuyilu Manasukkulla and Engyyum Eppothum Sangeetham, bringing the evening to a jubilant, harmonious close.

Published – April 01, 2026 07:32 pm IST