Statue of legendary singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam unveiled in Hyderabad despite row

December 15, 2025

Hyderabad: The statue of legendary singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) was unveiled on Monday at Ravindra Bharathi, a state-run auditorium and cultural centre in the heart of Hyderabad, amid protests by a section of Telangana activists.

Protests ignored, event held under tight security

Despite objections from activists associated with the Telangana statehood movement, authorities went ahead with the unveiling ceremony under heavy security. Protesters opposed the installation of SPB’s statue, alleging that the singer had refused to sing ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana’—now the state song—in 2004. They argued that Ravindra Bharathi should be reserved for cultural icons born in Telangana.

Telangana Kranti Dal president Sangamreddy Prithviraj and writer-activist Pasham Yadagiri had earlier urged the state government to reconsider the decision. Telangana Jagruthi leader K. Kavitha also supported the protest, saying the venue should honour Telangana folk artists.

Dignitaries, family members attend unveiling

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Minister for IT and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu, former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, BJP Telangana president Ramchander Rao, singer S.P. Shailaja and members of SPB’s family attended the ceremony.

The 7.2-foot bronze statue was crafted in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, SPB’s home region.

‘A voice that transcended boundaries’: Sridhar Babu

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sridhar Babu said SPB left an indelible mark on Indian film music and transcended linguistic and cultural barriers. He recalled that the singer rendered over 40,000 songs in 14 Indian languages, earning a timeless place in the hearts of music lovers.

“His voice carried emotion and life, remaining fresh across generations,” the minister said, noting that SPB was not only an unparalleled playback singer but also a versatile actor, composer and dubbing artist.

Sridhar Babu added that the statue stands as a lasting tribute to SPB’s artistic excellence, humility and encouragement of young talent, values that continue to inspire generations.