TELUGU STATES: Does Music Have Regional Barriers?
SP Balasubrahmanyam’s stature extends far beyond regional boundaries.
Though born in Nellore, his voice resonated across India and beyond. With more than 40,000 songs in nearly 16 languages, he earned global recognition and became one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema.
Whether the Telugu film industry functioned from Madras or Hyderabad, he remained its heart for decades.
Through programs like Paduta Teeyaga, he helped bring many Telangana talents into the spotlight. For countless music lovers, limiting his identity to a single region undermines the depth of his artistic contribution.
We often say music knows no limits, and a true voice crosses every boundary. Yet the latest developments in Hyderabad seem to challenge that belief.
The plan to unveil a statue of legendary singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam at Ravindra Bharathi has triggered a sharp cultural and political stir in Telangana.
Preparations are underway to install a bronze statue of the iconic singer on the 15th of this month.
However, a few Telangana associations and activists have strongly objected. During an inspection visit, an argument reportedly broke out between actor Shubhlekha Sudhakar and a protester, adding tension to the controversy.
Those opposing the move question why a singer associated with Andhra should be placed at a venue they consider a symbol of Telangana’s cultural identity.
Their stand is that Ravindra Bharathi should highlight Telangana’s own artists and movement leaders.
The once-political rhetoric of water, funds, and jobs has now narrowed to distinctions such as “our artists” and “outsiders.” Such divisions, originally fuelled for political advantage, now threaten to separate communities culturally and emotionally.
Hyderabad today is a cosmopolitan city, home to people of all regions and languages.
Viewing artists through the lens of region, caste, or religion only weakens the city’s progressive spirit.
Ravindra Bharathi stands as a symbol of art itself, not a gatekeeper of birthplace.
Blocking a tribute to a musical icon like SP Balasubrahmanyam reflects not strength but pettiness.
It is time for political and cultural leaders to step in, address the issue responsibly, and uphold the value of art beyond the confines of regional politics.