SPB statue in Palakkad: Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth lead emotional tribute

The city of Palakkad transformed into a deeply emotional musical hub on March 31, 2026, as prominent voices from the South Indian music industry came together to honour the timeless legacy of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The highlight of the tribute was the unveiling of the SPB statue in Palakkad at the VT Bhattathiripad Cultural Complex in Yakkara. The 10-foot sculpture, crafted by Unni Kanayi, was officially unveiled by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani along with SP Charan.

Legends Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, with whom SPB shared his most number of musical collaborations, shared their thoughts on the occassion. Kamal Haasan told Manorama News, “I am very touched about what is happening in the VT Bhattathiripad Cultural Complex, Palakkad. Thank you, Palakkad, and thank you, Yesu Etta. It shows that only great men can be great artists. The fact you're doing this is a testimony to how great you are. This is a fantastic moment; I appreciate it. Chetta, you're aware of how emotional I am about SPB. You also know how emotional I am towards your talent and your kindness to me. This is just another example of your kindness, Chetta. It is a monument in my mind for Yesu etta, also. Thank you on behalf of Annaya; I always called SPB garu 'annaya', and he called me 'tammudu'.”

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Adding to the tribute, Rajinikanth fondly recalled, “SPB was a Gaana Gandharva. There's nobody in India who doesn't know him. He is someone who made everyone happy with his musical talent. He was a wonderful human being. To give an example for why he was wonderful, let me recall an incident. Once, I was returning from America to Chennai. I had a transit in Mumbai, following which SPB also boarded the same flight as I. Shankarabharanam had just been released then, and songs were going viral. Passengers on the flight asked him to sing songs from the film, and their requests kept coming. Throughout the journey, from 1.30 am in the morning, he kept singing till we landed in Chennai. He is such a virtuous man. His untimely demise was extremely saddening. In a time where we easily forget people, efforts to build a statue in his memory are truly appreciated.”

The unveiling of the SPB Statue in Palakkad not only commemorates the extraordinary journey of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam but also reinforces how SPB continues to live on through his music and memories.

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