How SPB’s statue added fuel to a spooky superstition

Is it a bad omen to have a statue of a living person? Does it bring bad luck? Did it happen in the case of singer SP Balasubrahmanyam who had asked a sculptor to build a statue of himself?

Not too surprisingly, in a world full of unfounded beliefs even in the 21st century, such questions do crop up often. But there are hardly any answers as to why people still believe in such superstitions.

SPB, as he was fondly called, after his 74th birthday last year had initially asked the sculptor to make statues of his parents (Sambamurthy and Sakanthulamma) to be unveiled at his Nellore house in Andhra Pradesh. However, the legendary singer later wanted his own statue as well, perhaps in anticipation of his 75th birthday celebrations.

SPB had sent his photos to the sculptor, D Rajkumar Vudayar, who runs a fine arts institute in Kothapet village near Amalapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. Rajkumar, an ardent fan of the veteran singer, made a bust that looks life-like.