Renowned Carnatic artists Ranjani and Gayathri, along with Harikatha exponent Dushyanth Sridhar, have made a bold decision to boycott the upcoming Music Academy festival in Chennai in protest of the recent awarding of Sangita Kalanidhi to T M Krishna. This move has sparked controversy within the Carnatic music community and raised questions about artistic values and ideologies.
- The Controversial Award:
Ranjani and Gayathri, as well as Dushyanth Sridhar, have decided to boycott the Music Academy’s festival due to the Sangita Kalanidhi award being given to T M Krishna, triggering a wave of dissent. - Artist Solidarity:
Ranjani and Gayathri expressed their firm stance against performing at the festival while T M Krishna is involved, citing disrespect towards revered icons and values of Carnatic music. - Disagreements and Ideological Differences:
Dushyanth Sridhar highlighted his ideological conflicts with T M Krishna’s views on various issues, leading to his decision to refrain from performing at the festival. - Ethical Standpoint:
Ranjani and Gayathri emphasized their commitment to upholding the values of art, culture, and tradition, which they believe have been disregarded in the context of the award controversy. - Impact on the Community:
The boycott by these prominent artists has ignited discussions within the Carnatic music community about the intersection of art, politics, and personal beliefs.
FAQs:
- What is the Sangita Kalanidhi award?
- The Sangita Kalanidhi is a prestigious title given by the Music Academy in Chennai to recognize excellence in the field of Carnatic music.
- Why are Ranjani, Gayathri, and Dushyanth Sridhar boycotting the festival?
- They are protesting against T M Krishna being awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi, citing disagreements with his views and actions.
- What values are Ranjani and Gayathri emphasizing in their decision to boycott?
- They are standing up for the values of art, respect for traditions, and reverence for iconic figures in Carnatic music.
- What impact does Dushyanth Sridhar’s decision have on the festival lineup?
- His absence from the festival will be felt as he has been a regular performer, adding to the significance of the protest.
- How has this controversy sparked a broader conversation within the Carnatic music community?
- The award controversy has prompted discussions about the role of artists, the intersection of art and politics, and the importance of upholding cultural values.