How Salman Khan lost his voice

SP Balasubramanyam was once the voice of Salman Khan. Now that the Dabangg actor is back with Soorja Barjatya for his next, he tells HT why the singer can no longer be his voice.

In the ’90s, Salman Khan and

Salman-Khan-was-spotted-on-the-sets-of-Prem-Ratan-Dhan-Paayo-with-his-fan

Sooraj Barjatya

were a winning combination, with a number of hit films under their belt.

In the same era, south singer SP Balasubhramanyam was arguably the voice of the actor, signing many popular tracks that were picturised on him. But even as Barjatya is preparing to direct Salman again, the veteran musician will not be lending his voice to the actor.

Salman explains that the ace singer’s voice doesn’t suit him anymore. "That time (in the ’90s), his voice was superb. Now, with age, it has changed," he says.

Balasubhramanyam has sung hits like Aate jaate and Dil deewana from Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Saathiya tune kya kiya from Love (1991), Pehli baar milen hain from Saajan (1991) and Didi tera dewar deewana from Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (1994).

Since Partner (2007), the actor got Sajid-Wajid to work on all films, including Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010) and Dabangg 2 (2012).

Himesh Reshammiya seems to be the recent favourite, and he will compose for Barjatya’s film too. However, a song featuring Balasubhramanyam is not on the cards. "Suddenly, a number of young voices have come in and music has also changed," reasons Salman.