Hyderabad: A 7.2-foot bronze statue of legendary playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam was unveiled on Monday at Ravindra Bharathi in Khairatabad, Hyderabad, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries and marked by both celebrations and protests. SP Balasubrahmanyam has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Telangana Minister D. Sridhar Babu, and members of Balu’s family were among those present.
Tributes flow as statue unveiled amid protests by Telangana groups
Venkaiah Naidu described S.P. Balasubrahmanyam as a symbol of musical greatness and said the statue would serve to inspire future generations. Recalling Balu’s philanthropic acts, including donating his Nellore residence for a Vedic school, he said the singer’s legacy lives on through his songs.
However, the installation faced opposition from Telangana groups, including Telangana Jagruthi led by Kalvakuntla Kavitha. Protesters objected to placing the statue at a state cultural landmark. Police detained several activists under house arrest and deployed heavy security around the venue to prevent disruptions.
Crafted in East Godavari district, the statue was unveiled with grandeur, followed by cultural performances. A musical tribute by 50 artists, who performed 20 of Balu’s favourite songs, captivated the audience and added emotional depth to the occasion.