Tribute to SPB: Singer to attempt 24-hour singing marathon

Mangaluru: In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer late SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Hindustani vocalist and music director from the city, is set to embark on a 24-hour non-stop singing marathon in an attempt to enter the Golden Book of World Records.Vidwan Yashwanth MG,42, will perform 240 Kannada songs from 3 pm on June 3 to 3 pm on June 4 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in the city. Of these, 90% will be film songs, while the rest include bhavageete and devotional numbers. He will be accompanied by a six-member live orchestra featuring Raj Gopal (guitar), Deepak Jayasheelan (keyboard), Vaman K (drums & rhythm), Prajwal Acharya (tabla), Varsha Basrur (flute), and Sumuk Acharya (sitar).A winner of the 2005 season of a popular reality show, hosted by SPB, Yashwanth told reporters on Wednesday, that the event is a long-cherished dream dedicated to his idol. "I wanted to do this 7-8 years ago when SPB was alive, but financial limitations held me back. This is my humble tribute to the man who inspired generations," he said.During the performance, Yashwanth will only take a five-minute break every hour. He will sing only solo tracks with no chorus backing, and has prepared an additional 20 songs as a reserve in case he finishes early. As per medical advice, he will consume only liquids throughout the marathon.Interestingly, Yashwanth has not undergone any specific training for the feat. "My past experience with overnight bhajans and the mental and physical resilience developed as a NCC Army officer will support me," he said.Pointing out that SPB rendered over 40,000 songs in Kannada alone, Yashwanth noted that no one previously attempted such a record singing SPB's Kannada songs non-stop. "There's a known 12-hour record for Marathi songs by Mukesh Kumar, but this is something unique," he added.Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, will be present to witness the attempt.