In cinema, legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) and superstar Rajinikanth are magnets, undeniably. While SPB had attracted the people through the magic of his voice, Rajinikanth did and has been doing that through the magic of his style and charm in acting. Both of them had added more weight to the stardoms and every time when both the magnets come together, there is a birth of a masterpiece. Their magic had presented everlasting songs to the cinema industry and still, the magnets retain the force, despite SPB's demise. 

While Ilaiyaraaja dominated generations through his treasures of music, he hold a special place for working closely with Rajinikanth. Likewise, when Ilaiyaraaja composed the music for Rajini, there were plenty of songs SPB sung for the superstar, and it's certain that SPB and Ilaiyaraaja were a vital force that significantly poured a growth in Rajini's career, and the latter had remembered and reminisced that every time. As Rajini's bonding with SPB had come to end with 'Annaatthe', let's revisit some undying songs to remember and relish SPB through Rajinikanth. 

Raagangal 16 (Thillu Mullu): 

The 1981 release Thillu Mullu still enjoys the tag of Rajini's everlasting movie and legendary director K Balachander had made it as a comedy film. To save his job, Rajini pretends to his boss that he has a twin brother and the movie earned more compliments for Rajini for coming out of the mould of doing action films and presenting a different genre. Thillu Mullu was in fact the first movie for Rajini to appear in a clean-shaven look and the song of Raaganga 16, sung by SPB, added more value to the movie. 

Vandhenda Paalkaaran (Annamalai): 

It was one of the songs where the magic of magnets had worked and it was powered by another force Vairamuthu, who penned the lyrics for what has become one of the superhit songs of Rajini. As Deva had composed the music, the voice of SPB and charm of Rajini had made the song become a household and it has been dubbed as one of the best soundtracks of the 1990s. This song will definitely be in the store of admirers of Rajini and SPB.

Naan Autokaaran (Baasha):

Baasha had poured light on Rajini's career as this 1995-released movie is still a favourite for the ardent superstar fans and the magic again enthralled the people through this song. It is still popular among the people, particularly among the fraternity of auto-rickshaw drivers across the state. Besides enjoying the movie for Rajini's punchlines and his appearance as don 'Maanik Baasha', SPB's voice in this song will still give a goosebump moment for the fans. 

En Peru Padayappa (Padayappa):

When Ramya Krishnan asks, who are you, man? Rajini replies back with SPB's voice 'En Peru Padayappa'. Oh, the magic gets electrifying and it's no wonder why such songs live forever. The entry song of the movie, this song won several hearts across and beyond the borders and it's still worthy even if you watch it now. Another song in this movie 'Suthi Suthi' would take the viewers into the world of SPB. 

Adhaanda Idhaanda (Arunachalam): 

One of the electrifying songs of SPB and Rajini, it still can be heard playing in the festivals and occasions. The movie was released in 1997 and was directed by Sundar C. While Rajini had played the lead role, Rambha, Soundarya, Visu, VK Ramasamy, Vadivukkarasi, Jaishankar, Nizhalgal Ravi, Manorama, and Raghuvaran had played important roles. Besides, Adhaanda Idhaanda, SPB had also gifted his voice for the songs like 'Mathadu Mathadu', 'Nagumo', and 'Thalai Maganae' in this movie. 

Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalali (Muthu): 

Who would forget this song when Rajini mouthpieces it while riding a chariot? It was the song through which the movie is still remembered and celebrated. AR Rahman's music and Vairamuthu's lyrics had made the song sparkle for generations and this could be a perfect intro song for Rajini and it was a nectar for the fans to relish them. 

Kaadhalin Deepam Ondru (Thambikku Endha Ooru): 

SPB's voice had always melted Rajini's action face with a wonderful melody and this song was one such creation that still lives in the hearts for its natural ambience and natural acting. A part of the credit must go to Ilaiyaraaja for making that melting happen without a flaw. 

Kaatukuyilu Manasukkulae (Thalapathi): 

This 1991 movie had brought the doyens of Indian cinema together, thanks to Mani Ratnam. It was the first time that Rajini and Mammooty acted together. The song would give a sheer celebration for the fans and it was sung by SPB and KJ Yesudas. While SPB had done wonders through his voice, Ilaiyaraaja had done it through his music. No one will ever forget this unification of Rajini and Mammooty. Another super hit song in this movie sung by SPB was 'Rakkama Kaiya Thattu'.

Ballelakkha (Sivaji): 

Ballelakkha was the treat for a generation to lively enjoy the magic of Rajini and SPB, powered by the music of AR Rahman. This Shankar directorial had opened a big space for Rajini on the box office and Nayanthara had made a special appearance in this song. While the lyrics were penned by Na Muthukumar, the song was sung by SPB, Benney Dayal, and AR Reihana. 

Chumma Kizhi (Darbar): 

It wasn't a song, but a tribute for a legend by a legend. 'Neruppu Perodu Nee Kudutha starodu...', no one can better fit the lyrics than Rajinikanth and no one can better sing than SPB, and it was yet another masterpiece from the magnets and it has also proved that there is no Rajini's Darbar without SPB. 

Annaatthe Annaatthe (Annaatthe): 

The bonding of Rajini and SPB has come to end through this song after presenting some of the undying songs. When the first single of Rajini's upcoming Annaatthe was released on Monday, it was an emotional moment for the superstar as he and the world had lost the magic of voice. It has reminisced the magic and legacy left by the legendary singer, who had sung nearly 40,000 songs in his entire career. 

The bond between Rajini and SPB was well glued that it will be perennial and will always be on the pinnacle. The bond was in a fashion that SPB ended his breath after singing a song for Rajini and not only for Rajini, but for the entire cinema industry as it has become SPB's last song. As the song with SPB's voice was released on Monday, Rajinikanth went emotional and penned a touching note, remembering SPB's legacy. Taking to Twitter, Rajinikanth wrote, "When SPB, who lived as my voice for 45 years, sang a song for me in Annaatthe, I have never dreamt that this is going to be his last song for me. My dear SPB will live forever through his sweet voice." As Rajini said, SPB was dear to everyone and going into his world is equal to going into our soul.