# Gangai Amaran reveals SPB’s last wish to see Ilaiyaraaja 2026-08-16T11:05:52+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Nearly six years after his death, music director Gangai Amaran has disclosed that legendary singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) spent his final days in hospital longing to see composer Ilaiyaraaja. In a recent interview with Indian Express, Gangai Amaran recalled speaking to SPB on a video call after the singer was admitted for what he thought would be a short check-up. SPB had told him not to visit, saying he would be back in four days. As his condition worsened, Gangai Amaran said, "During those final moments, he had one wish. He really wanted to see Ilaiyaraaja." Gangai Amaran explained that the two icons shared a friendship stretching back to their early years, when they travelled together for stage shows before either became famous. SPB went on to sing thousands of songs, including many unforgettable numbers composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Their relationship, he said, was built on years of mutual respect and personal regard, not just music. SPB died on September 25, 2020, but his songs and the memories of his warmth continue to move fans and colleagues alike. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Gangai Amaran, Ilaiyaraaja, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/gangai-amaran-reveals-spbs-last-wish-to-see-ilaiyaraaja/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/gangai-amaran-reveals-spbs-last-wish-to-see-ilaiyaraaja/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes. How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/