Vidya Balan Pays Photo Tribute To MS Subbulakshmi On 108th Anniv.

MUMBAI (ANI) – Vidya Balan has paid a heartfelt photographic tribute to the legendary singer M.S. Subbulakshmi on her 108th birth anniversary, celebrated on September 16. Teaming up with costume designer Anu Parthasarathy, Vidya recreated some of Subbulakshmi’s iconic looks, reflecting her admiration for the ‘Nightingale of India.’

Subbulakshmi was a trailblazer, becoming the first musician to receive both the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. A Carnatic music prodigy, she began training under her mother, Shanmugavadivu, at the age of ten and made history as the first Indian artist to perform at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.

Vidya shared her tribute on Instagram with a video showcasing her in various looks inspired by M.S. Subbulakshmi, along with a heartfelt note. In the post, Vidya wrote, “On her 108th birth anniversary, I feel honored and overjoyed to pay a photographic tribute to ‘BHARAT RATNA’ M.S. Subbulakshmi (M.S. Amma)…the ‘Queen of Music’ and the ‘Nightingale of India.'”

She also highlighted the detailed recreation of M.S. Amma’s iconic sarees and accessories, explaining how the tribute captured her concert persona, from the vibrant sarees to her traditional jewelry and the jasmine-adorned kondai (bun). Vidya expressed gratitude to M.S. Amma’s granddaughter-in-law, Sikkil Mala Chandrashekhar, for her guidance in the project, and thanked Anu Parthasarathy for her dedication in bringing the idea to life after seven years.

Industry members and fans praised Vidya’s tribute. Neena Gupta commented, “Wow, you look so beautiful like her,” while Sobhita Dhulipala said, “This is simply fantastic!! Wow.” Another user noted, “Your expressions and the way you are dressed… the whole demeanor is just completely M.S. Amma!”

Vidya’s tribute was a moving homage to the legendary artist, capturing both her iconic style and her unparalleled musical legacy.