The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Madras): A controversy is brewing in the Carnatic music circle over the Madras Music Academy’s decision to confer its prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award on vocalist T.M. Krishna this year. The award announcement on March 17 has led to a handful of musicians boycotting the Academy’s renowned ‘Margazhi’ festival concerts in December-January.
However, the Academy’s president, N Murali, has stated that even if more musicians join the protest, the institution will stand by its decision. So far, vocalists Ranjani and Gayatri, Trichur Brothers (Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan), and Harikatha exponents Dushyanth Sridhar and Vishakha Hari have refused to perform at the ‘Margazhi’ festival this year.
Chitraveena exponent Ravikiran, a past Sangita Kalanidhi recipient, has also announced plans to return his award in protest against honoring Krishna, who is considered a rebel in the Carnatic music circle for his outspoken views against Brahmanical orthodoxy, gender, and caste bias.
Murali, however, remains firm, stating, “Even if more musicians join in the protest, the Academy will stand firm in its decision. This year will be our 98th annual convention and concerts. The institution is bigger than individuals.”
He dismissed suggestions that the decision was influenced by factors other than Krishna’s musical excellence, stating, “Our foremost criterion is ‘excellence in music over a sustained period,’ and Krishna fulfills it, end of the story.”
The Academy has seen similar controversies in the past and has proven its resilience, according to Murali. He expressed disappointment at the “vituperative content and vicious tone” against a respected senior musician by some protesters, suggesting their motivations may stem from personal disappointments.
Ranjani and Gayatri, in their letter to the Academy, objected to Krishna’s “glorification” of the controversial leader Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, who questioned Brahmanical traditions. Trichur Brothers and Sridhar also confirmed their decision to boycott the Academy’s events this year, citing their disagreement with Krishna’s presiding over the festival.
Despite the backlash, the Madras Music Academy remains steadfast in its decision to honor T.M. Krishna, a leading Carnatic musician, with the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award, upholding its commitment to recognizing musical excellence.