Balasubrahmanyam still on life support, says son; dismisses singer's COVID-19 status as 'rumour'

Producer SP Charan has clarified that his father, veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who has been in hospital for over two weeks now, has not tested negative for COVID-19 as was earlier reported.

Charan released a video on Twitter in which he said the singer was still on life support.

“I usually post Appa’s health updates after I have a discussion with the medical team from the hospital. But unfortunately I am forced to put up a post in the morning,” he began.

Adding that he usually disseminates the updates through the media, Charan said, “Regardless of whether it is COVID negative or positive, the [singer's health] status is still the same.”

He also dismissed reports about his father having finally tested negative for COVID-19 as a rumour.

Earlier in the day, a statement from Charan's publicist had said SPB, as the singer is popularly known, had tested negative for COVID-19.

The release also claimed that the singer was fine and stable. “Thank you for your continuous support and prayers for my father. He is fine and stable and his coronavirus test has become negative. Will keep you posted about the updates,” the statement said.

Balasubrahmanyam, who got himself admitted to hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus, suffered a setback on 14 August and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of MGM Healthcare and put on ventilator support.

He has remained on the ventilator throughout the week and his vital signs are being closely monitored.

Last Thursday, several members of the Tamil film fraternity came together to pray for the singer's speedy recovery. A mass prayer meet was organized in which several Tamil celebrities prayed for Balasubrahmanyam's recovery while playing one of his songs.

In a video, Charan thanked everybody, especially the Tamil film fraternity, for organizing the prayer meet for his father’s speedy recovery.

"I would also like to thank the film industry, music industry and people all over the country. We as a family are very grateful for your love and affection. People who are praying for us and my father, we are grateful to everyone who initiated this mass prayer for my father's well-being,” he said.

Charan added: "I'm at a loss for words. We bow down to you. Your prayers will not go in vain. God has a conscience, so I'm confident he will come back soon. All thanks to good-hearted souls all around the globe. Your prayers give us hope."