SP Balasubrahmanyam’s son rejects requests to use father’s AI-generated voice, says, "Don't want his voice to be heard in any Tom, Dick and Harry's music"

SP Balasubrahmanyam

SP Balasubrahmanyam's son, SP Charan, revealed that he and his family have chosen not to grant permission for recreating the legendary singer's voice using artificial intelligence (AI).

In a recent interview with Vikatan, SP Charan voiced his concerns about the use of AI to replicate singers' voices, specifically referencing the recreation of the late Malaysia Vasudevan's voice in Vettaiyan's Manasilaayo.

He remarked, "Malaysia Vasudevan sung brilliant songs such as Poongaatru Thirumbuma. You cannot replicate those songs. You can replicate the voice, but you cannot replicate the emotion that comes with listening to those songs nowadays."

SP Balasubrahmanyam, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, passed away in September 2020 at the age of 74. His death was due to cardio-respiratory arrest, following more than a month of hospitalization.

SP Charan shared that numerous people have approached him seeking permission to use SP Balasubrahmanyam's voice, to which he firmly responds, "Many people have approached me asking permission to use my father's voice using AI. I vehemently say no. My family and myself do not want his voice to be heard in any Tom, Dick and Harry's music. Even if it's a responsible music director with a clarity in thoughts, I say no. He is there. Let him be,"

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Although many composers view the use of AI to replicate a popular singer's voice as a tribute to their legacy, SP Charan emphasized the drawbacks of this practice, pointing out the ethical and emotional concerns it raises.

SP Charan explained, "For example, Manasilaayo [from Vettaiyan] could be a great song. No hard feelings to anyone, it might be a great song. But if SPB were alive today and had the chance, he might have also declined the song after hearing it. A singer has the right to choose whether or not to sing a song. With AI, you're taking away that opportunity from the singer. It's not right to have all songs sung by SPB or Malaysia Vasudevan just because of the love people have for them."