'I have always been open to conversations'
An interview with TM Krishna
A magnetic voice, sharp diction and boundless energy. That’s T M Krishna for you. He sings fast-paced varnams in the middle of his concerts, pushing against the traditional boundaries and kutcheri formats. He prefers cycling to fellow musicians’ concerts. His initiatives — Svanubhava, Sampradaya and Shabda — have made carnatic music accessible to all. I catch up with the musician-author, who has been chosen for the fifth Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal and Concert.
You have a strong opinion about issues, from piracy to atheism. Have you ever felt you are being misunderstood?
My thoughts come out ‘strong’ because when I speak or write, I express myself with a great deal of passion. I am loud. I speak my mind. If people have issues about what I say or do, it’s up to them. I am open to conversations and clarifications anytime.
How do you react to rude criticism?
Audiences are entitled to dislike/criticise my concerts. But that will not change the way I sing. I am unfazed by criticism.
What do you think should change in the way music is viewed today?
Music is meant for all but unfortunately it is stifled by Brahminism. We need to remove the understanding of music from the clutches of Brahminism.
What is your take on conventional concerts?
Concert presentation is just a convention, not tradition. I believe that the present convention followed is detrimental to the integrity of music and it’s necessary for ‘serious musicians’ to engage with what it actually is.
Tell us about your social life.
Unlike what many believe, I am more of a home person. My social life is limited.
Are you a religious person?
If you’re asking me whether I believe in any kind of supreme force that controls the world, then the answer is ‘no’. But I love to travel. I like being alone in the mountains, at least once a year.
(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)
A magnetic voice, sharp diction and boundless energy. That’s T M Krishna for you. He sings fast-paced varnams in the middle of his concerts, pushing against the traditional boundaries and kutcheri formats. He prefers cycling to fellow musicians’ concerts. His initiatives — Svanubhava, Sampradaya and Shabda — have made carnatic music accessible to all. I catch up with the musician-author, who has been chosen for the fifth Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal and Concert.
You have a strong opinion about issues, from piracy to atheism. Have you ever felt you are being misunderstood?
My thoughts come out ‘strong’ because when I speak or write, I express myself with a great deal of passion. I am loud. I speak my mind. If people have issues about what I say or do, it’s up to them. I am open to conversations and clarifications anytime.
How do you react to rude criticism?
Audiences are entitled to dislike/criticise my concerts. But that will not change the way I sing. I am unfazed by criticism.
What do you think should change in the way music is viewed today?
Music is meant for all but unfortunately it is stifled by Brahminism. We need to remove the understanding of music from the clutches of Brahminism.
What is your take on conventional concerts?
Concert presentation is just a convention, not tradition. I believe that the present convention followed is detrimental to the integrity of music and it’s necessary for ‘serious musicians’ to engage with what it actually is.
Tell us about your social life.
Unlike what many believe, I am more of a home person. My social life is limited.
Are you a religious person?
If you’re asking me whether I believe in any kind of supreme force that controls the world, then the answer is ‘no’. But I love to travel. I like being alone in the mountains, at least once a year.
(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)
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