Through much of the 1990s, S P Balasubramaniam was Salman Khan's voice in the movies.
Subhash K Jha celebrates SPB's 74th birth anniversary on June 4 by listing his big hit songs.
Dil Deewana from Maine Pyar Kiya
Originally composed by Raam Laxman for Agent Vinod, a Rajshris film, it remained unused.
Sooraj Barjatya grabbed it for his directorial debut.
SPB won the Filmfare Award for this song.
Tere Mere Beech Mein from Ek Duuje Ke Liye
For Kamal Haasan's Hindi debut, SPB was Laxmikant-Pyarelal's chosen voice. It won the singer a National Award.
Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai from Hum... Aapke Hain Koun
Once I asked Salman why SPB was his preferred voice despite his distinct South Indian timbre.
He had said, 'What is good enough for Kamal Haasan is good enough for me.'
Sach Mere Yaar Hai from Sagar
Kishore Kumar sings for Rishi Kapoor and SPB for Kamal Haasan in this R D Burman composition.
Yunhi Gaate Raho from Sagar
SPB had a duet with Kishore Kumar in Sagar, which is a masterclass.
Saathiya, Tune Kya Kiya from Love
Salman Khan's second film was a dud but the song composed by Ilayairaja in Tamil and recreated by Anand-Milind in Hindi survived.
Bahot Pyar Karte Hain from Sajan
Nadeem-Shravan's chartbusters included this hit song made special by SPB as only he could.