SP Balasubrahmanyam honoured with centenary award

Legendary singer S P balasubrahmanyam was honoured with 'Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the year' at the opening ceremony of the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here. The musician dedicated the honour to the soldiers.

"I dedicate this award to my mother and all those who have martyred themselves to keep us safe here. This award is to all those at the border. "I dedicate this to you, with pride and humility. We are nothing without you," Balasubrahmanyam said after receiving the award from Minister of Information & Broadcasting, M Venkaiah Naidu.

He was felicitated for his remarkable journey in Indian cinema as a singer, actor and producer. The 70-year-old singer, who has rendered more than 40,000 songs in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema besides Hindi movies, said he is grateful to be still working.

"I am embarrassed to know how ancient I am. But I am happy that I am still working. I am grateful to my parents, my guru who gave me my debut, my poets, musicians technicians. I am grateful to my listeners who have not forgotten me yet. My journey is fruitful because you've been with me."

Born as Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam in Telugu Brahman family, the singer has received National Film Award for best male playback singer six times and also holds a Guinness World Record for recording maximum number of songs. Balasubrahmanyam is also a recipient of civilian honours - Padmashri and Padma Bhushan - from the government of India.

Besides a successful career in the southern film industry, he was also considered to be the voice of superstar Salman Khan during '90s and was behind hits like "Mere Rang Main," "Hum Apke Hain Kaun" and "Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai".