Legendary singer S P Balasubrahmanyam passes away after fighting COVID-19

New Delhi : Celebrated playback singer S P Balasubrahmanyam has passed away on Friday at the hospital where he was admitted for the treatment of coronavirus.

The 74-year old singer, whose condition became extremely critical on Thursday, breathed his last at 1.04 pm, a statement from MGM Healthcare, where he was admitted on August 5 after testing positive for COVID-19, said.

However, the hospital confirmed that he had recovered from coronavirus and had tested negative for COVID-19 on September 4.

Balasubrahmanyam, who is a six-time national award winner, was honoured with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2011

He is survived by wife, a son and a daughter

A statement from MGM Healthcare said: "In a further setback this morning, despite maximal life support measures and the best efforts of the clinical team, his (Balasubrahmanyam's) condition deteriorated further and he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest

"With profound grief, we regret to inform that he passed away at 13.04 hours," it said

The hospital extended its condolences to his family, friends and well-wishers.