I Have Many Regrets In My 50 Year Old Career: SP Balasubramaniam

As he entered into 50th year of his career last week, legendary singer SP Balasubramaniam says he regretted not watching his kids grow up due to his busy schedules.

Balasubramaniam, who has given innumerable hits in 15 languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada among others, terms his journey as "amazing".

"It is amazing. I don't know how I lasted so long. I am not a trained singer. At this age, I am getting work and I am able to deliver," Balasubramaniam told PTI.

The 69-year-old singer, who got his first break in the 1966 Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryaada Raamanna, counts Telugu movie Sankarabharanam and 1981 hit Ek Duje Ke Liye as films that were turning points of his career.

"I feel every day is a turning point because my passion and my sincere approach towards my work and my dedication kept me going. "If I have to report (for recording of songs) at 5 o'clock, I rush, come what may. I prepare myself. I never go to microphone until I am sure of it. Whether small or big directors, I will do justice," he said.

Having successfully sung for five decades now, Balasubramaniam has quite a few regrets in life which includes not being able to learn classical music and complete his engineering degree.

He, however, felt now knowing classical music came as "blessing in disguise" and says had he learnt it, he would have not sung light music well.

"I missed watching my children grow up. I dedicated all my 49 years (to singing). On an average, I am working 11 hours every day. I missed my children growing," he said.

Balasubramaniam counts Mohammed Rafi as his 'all time favourite' singer and says he has learnt from the late legendary singer more than anyone else.

Source: PTI