In a recent development, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai has voiced his support for artists who have criticized the decision of the Madras Music Academy to confer the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award upon Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna. This announcement has sparked a contentious debate within the Carnatic music community, with several artists questioning the legitimacy of the award and expressing their dissent.
The controversy erupted following the announcement of the Sangita Kalanidhi award to TM Krishna on March 17. Since then, numerous artists have raised objections to the decision, with some even withdrawing from participating and performing in the award ceremony.
In a statement, Annamalai described the Madras Music Academy as a “temple of Carnatic music and spiritual consciousness” and expressed concern over what he perceives as threats to its sanctity. He emphasized the BJP’s solidarity with eminent artists who have spoken out against the current administration of the academy, stating that the party stands with those striving to preserve the institution’s integrity.
Annamalai’s statement specifically mentioned renowned musicians such as Ranjani and Gayatri, Trichur Brothers, Chitravina Ravikiran, and Harikatha exponents Dushyanth Sridhar and Vishaka Hari, who have been vocal in their criticism of TM Krishna’s selection for the award. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the purity and sanctity of the Madras Music Academy, cautioning against divisive forces that threaten to undermine its legacy.
In response to Annamalai’s statement, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi came out in support of TM Krishna, denouncing the hostility directed towards the vocalist as unwarranted. Singer Chinmayi, president of the Music Academy N Murali, and Director of The Hindu N Ram also expressed their support for TM Krishna, highlighting the diversity of opinions within the Carnatic music community.
The Madras Music Academy, however, criticized Ranjani and Gayatri for their “unwarranted and slanderous assertion against a senior fellow musician,” further fueling the debate surrounding TM Krishna’s selection for the Sangita Kalanidhi award.