The passing away of S P Balasubramanyam in 2020 due to COVID-19 complications was a huge blow to the Indian film industry. There was an immense demand for honouring SPB with Bharat Ratna posthumously by several music-lovers across the globe, but many were left disappointed when the Padma Vibhushan was conferred on him recently. A few also told that the honour, coming to SPB through Tamil Nadu government reflects the failure of Telugu people in revering their greats.
Now, a statue is being built for SPB in Rajabapayya Chowk in Gudivada, alongside Ghantasala’s statue. Prominent sculptor hailing from Bomminampadu, Appa Rao is lending his artistic touch to the SPB statue that will be unveiled on February 11, 11 am.
Politician Kodali Nani has agreed to grace the event and added that it’s an honour to unravel the statue of a legend whose impact in the field of art over five decades remains unmatched. “Gudivada is a place that has given birth to the finest of talents in Telugu cinema including NTR, Kaikala Sathyanarayana, ANR and Ghantasala. It’s a blessing to have his statue in a region where art continues to flourish in various forms,” he added.