Kumar Sanu vs SPB: A Comparative Analysis of Two Renowned Singers

Kumar Sanu and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (commonly known as SPB) are two of the most celebrated vocalists in the Indian music industry. Their careers have been marked by different trajectories, driven by various factors that have shaped their legacies. This article delves into their unique journeys, exploring the role of music patrons, their influence on the industry, and their enduring impact on hindi film songs.

The Role of Music Patrons in Launching a Singer's Career

In the golden era of the Indian music industry, a singer's journey often began with the support of renowned music directors and producers. This was especially prominent in the 1980s and 1990s, when a singer required the backing of a music director to launch himself into the limelight.

Mukesh found his support in Raj Kapoor, while Kishore Kumar had the patronage of Rajesh Khanna, Meh Aussartt, and RD Burman. Asha Bhosle's career was built on the recommendations by a prestigious music guru, while classical backgrounds played a critical role for artists like Sudesh Wadkar.

Among the upcoming artists, Kumar Sanu, a promising young talent, garnered support from the iconic duo Nadeem-Shravan and the filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Their collaboration led to the immense success of Kumar Sanu in the music industry. SPB, on the other hand, did not have music patrons in the same traditional sense, but was highly sought after by filmmakers and producers.

The Rise of Kumar Sanu and SPB

Kumar Sanu's breakthrough came with his collaboration with Nadeem-Shravan, and his association with Mahesh Bhatt. This partnership led to the iconic album 'Aashiqui,' which broke records in 1990 and remained the biggest-selling album until the late 1990s. During this time, Kumar Sanu worked extensively with Nadeem-Shravan and other producers, including Mahesh Bhatt.

SPB, however, had a different route to fame. He was sought after by many directors and was highly popular in the South Indian film industry. Directors like K Balachander and Laxmi Pyare recognized the need for SPB's voice for authenticity in films like 'Ek Duje ke Liye.' SPB's popularity allowed him to choose when and where he recorded his songs, often sticking to regions like Chennai and Hyderabad for Hindi recordings.

Support and Markets

While Kumar Sanu's market was dependent on his patrons, SPB never relied on a single individual for support. His popularity in the south and with directors like Yash Chopra made him a valuable asset in the industry. SPB's insistence on recording in specific locations or only by requests from influential figures like Lata Mangeshkar demonstrated his commitment to his work and his fans.

This difference in approach was evident in the number of songs they recorded across different regions. While Kumar Sanu did work with the likes of Anu Malik and Udit Narayan, SPB's demands for filming locations and exclusive requests meant he had a more selective career trajectory.

Influencing the Industry and Obscuring Accents

The success of both Kumar Sanu and SPB in the industry can be attributed in part to their ability to bridge cultural divides in audio recordings. Despite the obvious accents of these singers, their music was so captivating that listeners often overrode any potential distractions.

SPB's vocal performances, for instance, helped make 'Maine Pyar Kiya' a hit, despite the accent. Similarly, Kumar Sanu's contributions to the era's hit songs and albums like 'Aashiqui' resonated with audiences, earning him a place in the hearts of listeners.

Stories like Sreedevi and Jayaprada reading from Hindi scripts for Telugu films and Sonu Nigam singing the Kannada single 'Anisudithe' reflect the role of vocal performances in overshadowing accents for the sake of entertainment. By focusing on the melody and rhythm, these singers created experiences that surpassed the limitations of regional accents.

Conclusion

Both Kumar Sanu and SPB have left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry through their unique talents and the support of their patrons, albeit in different ways. Their legacies continue to influence the industry, inspiring newer generations of singers and producers.