Was the Statue of Legendary Singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Unveiled in Hyderabad Amid Controversy?
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Synopsis
The unveiling of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam's statue in Hyderabad stirred controversy, facing protests from activists. Despite this, dignitaries celebrated the enduring legacy of the legendary singer, whose contributions to Indian music continue to resonate across generations.
Key Takeaways
- S.P. Balasubrahmanyam's statue unveiled in Hyderabad amidst protests.
- Activists opposed due to past actions regarding a Telangana song.
- Minister praised SPB's contributions to Indian film music.
- Statue symbolizes artistic excellence and values SPB embodied.
- Event highlighted ongoing cultural discussions in Telangana.
Hyderabad, Dec 15 (NationPress) In the midst of a heated debate, the statue of the iconic singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam was unveiled on Monday at Ravindra Bharathi, a prominent state-run auditorium and cultural center located in the heart of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.
Despite protests from certain activists associated with the Telangana statehood movement, officials proceeded with the unveiling of SPB's statue, as he was affectionately known.
Notable attendees included former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Minister for Information Technology and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu, former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP's Telangana unit President Ramchander Rao, singer S.P. Shailaja, along with family members of SPB.
Enhanced security measures were implemented during the event due to the potential unrest from a faction of Telangana activists.
The activists opposed the statue's installation, claiming that SPB had previously declined to perform the Telangana song in 2004.
Originally hailing from present-day Andhra Pradesh, the singer had reportedly turned down the song 'Jaya Jayahe Telangana', which was written by poet Andesri.
Last year, this song was designated as the official state song of Telangana.
Leader of the Telangana Kranti Dal and a statehood advocate, Sangamreddy Prithviraj, along with writer and activist Pasham Yadagiri, urged the Telangana government to reconsider the statue installation, suggesting it be reserved for cultural figures born in Telangana.
Additionally, Telangana Jagruthi leader K. Kavitha supported the activists, asserting that Ravindra Bharathi should be dedicated to Telangana folk artists.
The statue, standing at 7.2 feet tall, was specifically crafted in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
During the ceremony, Minister Sridhar Babu expressed that SPB left a significant and lasting mark on the legacy of Indian film music.
He characterized SPB as an artist who bridged linguistic and cultural gaps.
He reflected on SPB's remarkable achievement of singing over 40,000 songs across 14 Indian languages, showcasing the universal nature of music.
"With his extensive repertoire, SPB's voice conveyed deep emotions and life, remaining timeless and resonating across generations," he noted.
Minister Babu highlighted that even as years go by, SPB's melodies continue to evoke strong feelings among Telugu audiences and music enthusiasts nationwide.
He acknowledged that SPB was not only an extraordinary playback singer but also a versatile actor, music composer, and dubbing artist.
His singing was characterized by genuine expression and emotional richness, often creating the illusion that the on-screen actors were performing their own songs.
Furthermore, Minister Babu remarked that SPB consistently uplifted young talent and welcomed emerging musical trends, all while adhering to principles of discipline and humility.
He concluded by stating that the statue serves as a perpetual homage to SPB's artistic brilliance and the values he represented.
Point of View
We recognize the nuanced perspectives surrounding the unveiling of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam's statue. While it's crucial to honor cultural icons, it's equally important to acknowledge the sentiments of local activists. This incident reflects broader conversations about representation and recognition in the arts, underscoring the need for inclusive dialogues in our society.
NationPress
15/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was there controversy over the statue's unveiling?
The controversy stemmed from protests by Telangana activists who claimed that S.P. Balasubrahmanyam had previously refused to sing a song that is now the state song of Telangana.
Who attended the statue unveiling ceremony?
The event was attended by several dignitaries including former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu, and family members of SPB.
What was the significance of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam's contributions?
SPB is celebrated for his extensive body of work, having sung over 40,000 songs in 14 languages, making a profound impact on Indian film music.
Where was the statue of SPB crafted?
The 7.2-feet bronze statue was specially prepared in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
What did the Telangana Minister say about SPB?
Telangana Minister Sridhar Babu described SPB as an artist who transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, leaving an enduring imprint on Indian music.
