With millions across and beyond the border have been mourning for the demise of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who died on Friday at the age of 74 in Chennai, one his closest friends, who stood with the singer in thick and thin, Isaignani Illayaraaja has paid his hearty condolences to his departed friend, who touched and defined the lives through his heavenly voice and songs. 

Ilayaraaja had released a video paying his tribute to his dear SPB. In a distressing tone, the music maestro said, "Balu, I told you to get up and come back soon. I said I am waiting for you. But you didn't listen to me. You left and where did you go? Have you gone to sing for angels? The world has become nothing here. I don't know anything in this world. I can't speak, I am left with no words and I don't even know what to say", the music director asked his dear friend. 

The music director, who had spent most of his life with the departed singer, was apparently stumbling to speak with deep agony on his face. With a short pause, Ilayaraaja concludes by stating, "There is a limit to every sorrow. There is no limit to this". By saying that he told the singer to come back soon, the music director had referred to the video that he released earlier when SPB was hospitalized asking him to get up and come back soon. 

Illayaraaja has released that video on August 14, when SPB's health had attained a major setback leaving him to move to the ICU as his health was critical and placed under the ventilator support. In his emotional video, Ilaiyaraaja said, "Balu, come fast...I'm waiting for you. Our life is not going to end with Cinema alone and it didn't start with the cinema either. The music that we together performed in several concerts had become our life and our livelihood. The friendship and music that started in those concerts hadn't separated anytime - just like how music is inseparable from its notes"

"Our friendship wasn't separated whether we fight or not. We had friendship even if we fought and you know this well and I too know this well. I am praying to God. My instinct feelings say that you will definitely be going to come back and I am praying to God that it truly happens. Balu, come soon", the music director added. 

When SPB ruled through his voice, Ilayaraaja ruled through his music and the fruitful clash between the legends had birthed perennial and ever-lasting songs and music. The combo was always at a peak and ruled the cinema industry through its immense and unparalleled contribution. With Illayaraaja on the keyboard and SPB on the mic, it was a pleasure watching them and relishing their creations. 

The duo had given scores of hits together from their collaboration in the 1960s to 70s before entering the movie industry. Beyond sharing stages and movies, they shared their life each other with a strong belief with God had sent them to take care of each other. They had a special bond and SPB had sung over 2000 songs for Illayaraaja. Though there was a spat between them, the bond and friendship had neven been doubtful. 

On August 5, SPB had tested positive for the COVID-19 viral infection and was admitted to MGM Healthcare hospital in Chennai and he never left the hospital. His battle for survival had come to end after he breathed his last on Friday at around 1.04 pm, thus bringing an end to an era. He died due to cardiac arrest at the age of 74, leaving his fans and nation with incessant pain and phenomenal legacy.