Dispute over MS Subbulakshmi Award: Grandson challenges award to TM Krishna in court

Chennai: The Madras High Court is hearing a case concerning the prestigious MS Subbulakshmi Award, given by the Madras Music Academy. The award is set to be presented to musician T. M. Krishna, but a petition has been filed by V. Srinivasan, grandson of late Carnatic music legend M. S. Subbulakshmi.

Srinivasan claims that T. M. Krishna insulted his grandmother after her death, and therefore, it would be inappropriate to honour him with this award. He argued that giving the award to Krishna is inappropriate because he does not respect the values upheld by Subbulakshmi.

The Madras Music Academy’s Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award, known officially as the ‘Sangeetha Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi Puraskaram’ since 2005, was announced on March 17 this year. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place during a music festival in December. Srinivasan stated that the announcement shocked the family of Subbulakshmi.

The Music Academy clarified that the winners are chosen through a fair process, and the Academy's governing body does not influence these decisions. The case is being heard by Justice R. M. T. Teekaa Raman and bench, and has been adjourned until October 21.