CHENNAI: The family of legendary Carnatic vocalist MS Subbulakshmi is voicing strong opposition to the Madras Music Academy’s decision to confer the prestigious “Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award” upon controversial singer TM Krishna. V Shrinivasan, the grandson of the iconic singer and a prominent figure in the classical music community, has filed a civil suit in the Madras High Court seeking an injunction to prevent the award from being presented to Krishna at the upcoming 98th music conference in December 2024.
Shrinivasan’s petition argues that Krishna has insulted the memory of M.S. Subbulakshmi through “slanderous and vitriolic language” over the past decade. He contends that honouring Krishna with an award named after his grandmother would be akin to giving a “Bhakti” award to an atheist, undermining the values that M.S. Subbulakshmi embodied.
MS. Subbulakshmi, a national treasure of India and the first musician to perform at the United Nations, was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Bharat Ratna and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Her legacy is cherished across the country, and Shrinivasan expressed disbelief that the Music Academy would honor someone who has publicly disparaged her.
In recent years, TM Krishna has made several provocative comments regarding M.S. Subbulakshmi, labeling her as the “greatest hoax in Carnatic music in the 20th century” and referring to her as a “saintly Barbie Doll.” He further sparked outrage by suggesting that her popularity might be different if she were darker in complexion. Such remarks, according to Shrinivasan, represent a personal attack on the revered singer and her contributions to Indian music.
The “Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award” was established in 2005 by the Madras Music Academy and a leading Chennai-based English daily to honor Subbulakshmi’s memory. Shrinivasan stated that the family never anticipated that the Academy, which was funded in part by the proceeds from M.S. Subbulakshmi’s fundraising concerts, would choose to honor someone who stands in stark opposition to her values.
Krishna has garnered a reputation for making scandalous remarks about renowned musicians of the past and present, even targeting the esteemed saint-composer Thyagaraja. Shrinivasan condemned these statements as disgraceful, arguing that they unjustly question the credibility of his grandmother in a bid to gain publicity and advance a hidden agenda.
The announcement to honour Krishna has left the MS Subbulakshmi family stunned and disappointed. Shrinivasan articulated that the decision is paradoxical, given that it comes from an institution built on the legacy of his grandmother, who was known for her grace and dedication to Carnatic music.
Adding another layer to the controversy, it has come to light that M.S. Subbulakshmi specified in her will, executed on October 3, 1997, that there should be no foundation or memorial established to perpetuate her name and memory. Shrinivasan argues that bestowing an award in her name contradicts this mandate.
In response, the Madras Music Academy has denied the allegations made by Shrinivasan, asserting that he lacks the authority to question the selection process for the award. The Academy, a prominent institution in the fine arts community, stated that for nearly two decades, no objections had been raised by Shrinivasan or any other family member regarding the award. Their counter affidavit emphasized that T.M. Krishna was chosen for the award in recognition of his sustained musical excellence, powerful voice, and adherence to tradition.
Critics of Krishna argue that he gained notoriety for his controversial stances, particularly his glorification of E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, also known as Periyar. They claim that Krishna has made unfounded accusations against Brahmins, alleging that they suppress musicians from other communities, despite a rich diversity of artists thriving in the Carnatic music landscape.
In protest against the decision to honor TM Krishna, seven prominent musicians, including vocalists Ranjani and Gayatri, and Harikatha exponents Dushyanth Sridhar and Vishakha Hari, have opted out of the Academy’s upcoming ‘Margazhi’ festival lineup. The Raga Sisters stated, “Krishna has caused immense damage to the Carnatic music world by glorifying an atheist like EV Ramasamy Naicker.”
Harikatha exponent Dushyanth Sridhar echoed similar sentiments, noting the deep emotional connection that M.S. Subbulakshmi’s music has forged with audiences over the decades. “There would not be a single morning in South Indian households without her rendition of Venkatesa Subrapatham or Vishnu Sahastranam,” he remarked. He expressed disappointment that TM Krishna has not shown the same reverence for M.S. Subbulakshmi’s contributions to the genre.
The family’s legal action underscores a broader sentiment among fans and musicians alike, who feel that Krishna’s past remarks about MS Subbulakshmi have been disrespectful and hurtful. Sridhar suggested that Krishna’s inflammatory comments have left a mark on the community, making Shrinivasan’s legal challenge unsurprising.
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