Celebs hail unveiling of SP Balasubrahmanyam’s bronze statue at Ravindra Bharathi

A bronze statue of legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam was unveiled at Ravindra Bharathi on Tuesday, marking 60 years since his first Telugu song. The evening featured live performances of his iconic numbers by leading singers and composers, including MM Keeravani, Mani Sharma, Tanikella Bharani, S Thaman, Sunitha Upadrasta and SP Charan. Installed next to Ghantasala’s statue, the tribute highlighted SPB’s enduring influence on music and cinema, while performers recalled his discipline, warmth, and the personal mentorship he offered throughout his career.

All of us stand here because of Balu garu. Being at Ravindra Bharathi on this occasion filled me with immense joy; this land felt even more sacred. I have been travelling alongside him since 1996, and I carry countless cherished memories with him
- S Thaman, music composer

This event was a celebration for music lovers and for everyone who respects the Telugu language and values the art of music. I see SP Balasubrahmanyam as a guru, a mentor and a friend. The bond we shared goes far beyond words
- MM Keeravani, singer-composer

If I had to choose which side of him I feel closest to, SPB the singer or SPB the father, I would choose the latter. As his son, I shared countless emotional moments and conversations with him about life, stories, and music. His legacy will live on, and I remain proud to call him my father
- SP Charan, singer, actor, producer, son of SPB

Seeing SPB sir’s statue installed right next to Ghantasala garu fills my heart with joy. There isn’t a single day in our lives without his music. What truly set him apart was the way he treated everyone with equal respect
- Sunitha Upadrasta, singer

For all singers, Balu garu is an inspiration. He is also an inspiration to me as an elder brother. He created a new path for us and guided us along it. We are very happy about the installation of his statue here… He once said that he wished his statue to be placed here (near Ghantasala). Now that wish has been fulfilled. He always said, ‘speak in Telugu and do not forget Telugu.’ He taught us, singers and musicians, how to be disciplined in the field which we still follow.
- SP Sailaja, singer and voice artiste

I knew him as an actor while directing Mithunam. He once said his life could be divided into before and after that film. That remains one of the greatest blessings of my life
- Tanikella Bharani, actor and screenwriter


Meanwhile:
Activists protest SPB statue over his Telangana stand
On Sunday, the eve of the statue installation, activists staged protests against the decision to honour SPB at Ravindra Bharathi. Telangana Kranthidal founder and president Sangam Reddy Prithviraj highlighted a 2004 incident in which SPB reportedly declined to sing Jaya Jayahe Telangana, written by poet Andesri, after a line demanding statehood was not removed.
“Andesri refused to remove it, so he didn’t sing the song. SPB represents a voice opposed to the Telangana movement,” Prithviraj said. Kalvakuntla Kavitha, president of Telangana Jagruthi Samithi, added, “The people of Telangana have opposed many who did not support the statehood movement. There’s a perception that SPB refused to sing Jaya Jayahe Telangana, which is why activists are against his statue. It would be better placed elsewhere or replaced with a Telangana artist’s statue.” Despite the objections, the unveiling went ahead as scheduled.

- Inputs by Divya Shree & Sanjana Pulugurtha

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