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Austin South Asian | October 2020
S P Balasubrahmanyam’s Funeral Held With A 72-Gun Salute Singing legend S P Balasubrahmanyam’s funeral was held at his Red Hills farmhouse in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, some 50
km from Chennai, with complete police honours. The singer, whose voice enchanted Indian cinema and music lovers over the last fifty years, was honoured with a 72-gun salute by the Tamil Nadu police. S P Balasubrahmanyam died at a Chennai hospital on Friday afternoon. He was 74. Actor Vijay paid his last respects to the legendary singer he consoled SPB’s son S P Charan with folded hands and a hug. S P Balasubrahmanyam was the voice of actor Vijay in songs such as Oru Kaditham, Enna Azhagu and Azhagooril. Veteran director Bharathiraja, who was also at the hospital last evening, attended the funeral and
so did singer Mano. Music composer Devi Sri Prasad and comedian Mayilsami were also part of S P Balasubrahmanyam’s funeral. A number of politicians were spotted at S P Balasubrahmanyam’s last rites - AIADMK leader D Jayakumar, Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Anil Kumar Yadav and Tamil Languages And Culture Minister Pandiarajan attended. About Mr Balasubrahmanyam, Pandiarajan said: “He has received national awards for his songs in many languages. It’s a great honour”. S P Balasubrahmanyam’s son S P Charan performed the final rites. Mr Balasubrahmanyam’s wife Savitri and close family members participated in the rituals. Although the district police had initially denied permission for public homage
citing COVID-19 risk, they lifted the restriction. Thousands of fans and mourners flocked outside the Red Hills Farmhouse to bid a final farewell to SPB. On Saturday morning, elaborate security managements were made on account of the funeral. After a few hours of public homage at SPB’s Chennai home on Friday evening, the late singer was taken to his Red Hills Farmhouse in Thamaraipakkam in the Thiruvallur district in a hearse van, when well-wishers and emotional fans followed the vehicle to bid SPB a final farewell. PTI reported that the hearse van had to slow down to allow fans to bid a final adieu to SPB. S P Balasubrahmanyam is survived by his wife Savitri, daughter Pallavi, and son S P Charan, who is a producer and a singer. S P Charan, along
with other family members, was spotted at the hospital on Friday evening.
main on ventilator. A day before his death, the hospital announced he was put on maximum life sup-
S P Balasubrahmanyam was admitted to Chennai hospital MGM healthcare for COVID-19 on August 5 and died of a cardiac arrest on September 25. In a video shared on August 5, the singer said he was optimistic about a quick return. SPB’s son, in his regular video updates, had shared indications of improvements including details of the singer communicating with signs, using his tablet and involving in physiotherapy. The singer tested negative after a few weeks but continued to re-
port. Kamal Haasan, who had worked with Mr Subhrahmanyam extensively, visited the hospital on Thursday. Following SPB’s death, social media was deluged with heart-warming tributes from Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja, A R Rahman and several Bollywood stars. S P Balasubrahmanyam sang over 40,000 songs in 16 languages and won six National Awards. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. (Courtesy: https://www.ndtv.com/)
South Asian Jewelry Store To Open In Lakeline Plaza By Sumaiya Malik AUSTIN, TX – A brick and mortar jewelry store carrying modern and traditional Indian jewelry is all set to open on October 17th, coinciding with Navratri and Diwvali, in Lakeline Plaza at the intersection of FM 620 and US Highway 183. Shiva Jewelers will be the first jewelry store in Austin that will cater to the South Asian community in Austin. The eleven hundred square feet showroom, is located centrally and easily accessible to all communities, located in the same parking lot as Bed Bath and Beyond and two stores down from Tarka Indian Kitchen on Pecan Park Blvd.
The store will carry modern and traditional pieces, Hyderabadi and North Indian pieces, diamond jewelry and Rado watches. They also offer custom designing and will add other services as time goes on. “The feedback has been great!” The owner Mr. Amit Patel said. He has been in Austin over the past two years planning the opening of this store. “I am third generation in the jewelry industry. My grandfather started the business after migrating to Trinidad and Tobago,” Patel said.
“My dad took over opening his own store, [and] grew his business. Dad originally opened as Patel Jewellers, however changed it to Shiva Jewellers soon after. Shiva Jewelers plans a low-key opening keeping in mind Covid-19 guidelines so that clients are safe. The first 108 customers will get a free silver coin, the website said. They are also now hiring sales associates and anyone interested can apply by emailing their resume to info@shivajewelers.com on submit it online at www.shivajewelers. com/careers For more information please visit: https://www.shivajewelers.com/
