Ranjani and Gayatri are world-renowned classical musicians whose musical contributions include studio recordings, television, radio, concerts, festivals.
Receiving the #PadmaShri at the Rashtrapati Bhavan from the hands of President Smt Draupadi Murmu.
A very special moment, gratitude to our Gurus, families, Rasikas and Divine grace that led us up to this moment🙏🏼
#thread 1/6
We have communicated our decision to withdraw from participating in the Music Academy’s conference 2024 & from presenting our concert on 25 Dec.
We made this decision as the conference would be presided over by TM Krishna.
#madrasmusicacademy#respectcarnaticmusic
The Music Academy
Chennai
Dear Mr Murali,
We thank you for the courtesy of providing a response to our letter dated 20 March 2024.
We’d like to clarify that our letter to you was only a notification of our withdrawal without any request for your decisions or actions. We did not post the letter on social media, but merely informed our fans on the same subject. Now we realise, this didn't help you manage the optics and we are sorry about it.
Did we question your prerogative to award anyone? No
Did we exercise our prerogative to withdraw? Yes
Did we refuse to be implicit apologists for genocide mongers and filthy discourse? Yes
With your verbose answer to questions we never raised, you are trying to build a convenient narrative and cast aspersions on us. Your statements to the press in this regard are immoral and dishonest.
We were a bit surprised as to why your response reads like a release on behalf of the awardee, erasing the distinction between him and the Music Academy. But it became obvious when Mr. N. Ram, media hegemon, joined as an undeclared spokesperson, with his campaign branding us “bigoted, casteist coterie”.
We immensely respect this hallowed institution and it will be the happiest day for us and for millions of people to see star performers emerge from underprivileged communities and dominate this stage. We want to see the day when the TTK auditorium is filled up with a diverse inclusive crowd from all communities and religious minorities.
This transformation should begin at the top. Kindly start with the entrenched Executive Committee consisting of only brahmins and royalty you have been heading for 2 decades. Unlike serious hardwork and the long journey it takes for artists to excel, this transformation is achievable instantly with a simple resolution and a bunch of resignations.
Please consider leading by example, lest the world call it mere lip service and start branding you as a “bigoted, casteist coterie”.
Thanks & regards,
Ranjani & Gayatri
@musicacademyma#musicacademy
Such an inspiration to listen to Sri @annamalai_k as he spoke about education, role of music, history, inspiring children and above all the spirit of surrender to the cause of Dharma. Truly a man of destiny 🙏🏼
Fascinating to see outrage and condemnation coming in from quite a few fans for a video and message we put out yesterday to express our joy on the occasion of Bhoomi Puja of Sri Ram Mandir.
This moment. As we sat in front of Ram Lalla and sang Rama nee samaanamevaru! Some experiences are beyond description, and this is one of those. Carrying this and many other such magical memories as we leave Ayodhya in a few hours..
@nramind
1. Please isolate venom & demonstrate falsehoods in our ‘notorious’ note to the Music Academy
2. Either you r part of the Periyar packaging factory or an ignorant believer
He called for killing of Brahmins, called the women of your house Prostitutes. Stop glorifying him
Commend the firm and fitting response from The Music Academy and its President to the bigoted, casteist objections by a small coterie of set-up Carnatic musicians who can’t stomach the choice of an eminent, widely acclaimed, erudite, and articulate musician for the highest accolade in Carnatic music. If T. M. Krishna doesn’t deserve the Sangita Kalanidhi honour, then who does? And what explains Ranjani-Gayatri’s wild and scurrilous attack — charged with venom and demonstrable falsehoods — on Periyar Ramasamy (1879-1973), the father of the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu and a champion of women’s equality and rights? Who put them up to this?
thehindu.com/entertainment/m…thehindu.com/entertainment/m…
5/6
Its dangerous to overlook Mr TM Krishna’s glorification of a figure like EVR who 1. Openly proposed a genocide of ‘brahmins’
2. Repeatedly called/abused every woman of this community with vile profanity
3. Relentlessly worked to normalize filthy language in social discourse
Apparently all global problems including hunger and poverty are a direct result of temple building and Hindu pride in our heritage. The left-liberal hypocrisy and posturing stands completely exposed.
6/6
We believe in a value system that respects art and artists, vaggeyakaras, rasikas, institutions, our roots and culture. We will be in moral violation if we were to bury these values and join this year’s conference.
#madrasmusicacademy#respectcarnaticmusic
#thread 2/6
He has caused immense damage to the Carnatic music world, wilfully and happily stomped over the sentiments of this community and insulted most respected icons like Tyagaraja and MS Subbulakshmi.
#madrasmusicacademy#respectcarnaticmusic
@Chinmayi
EVR’s call for Brahmins to be killed and abusing all Brahmin women as prostitutes.
Does this qualify as “Respect for women”?
Does such filthy language on women fall under #metoo abuse?
Do you support glorification of this figure? #EVR#Periyar
#thread 3/6
His actions have tried to spread a sense of shame in being a carnatic musician and has been exhibited through his consistent denigration of spirituality in music.
#madrasmusicacademy#respectcarnaticmusic
With the one and only @jsaideepak and what an inspiration it was to hear him talk about his book "India, Bharat and Pakistan" as he shared his thoughts on a range of topics from Dharma, democracy, politics and beyond. A fan moment for both of us!
#thread 4/6
He has vilified the Carnatic music fraternity that has collectively contributed millions of
hours of artistry, hard work and literature.
#madrasmusicacademy#respectcarnaticmusic
Singing today at Kapali Koil was so special that we're not able to express in words. The love pouring out from the overflowing crowd was palpable, and we were overwhelmed hearing your cries, "we're with you! " To sing and soak in your love, dear rasikas, is a blessing that's indescribably precious.
Thank you🙏
What can be more pure beautiful and emotional than this? From heart to heart with the power of music.
Shared by a rasika from the audience at Vishwambhara Temple, Kottakkal.
Had the honour and joy of singing at the Punya kshetra of Rameswaram Temple in the presence of our beloved Honorable Prime Minister Sri @narendramodi ji
Such a memorable experience this was for us and our team of musicians.
Dear @ranjanigayatri do you feel an ounce of empathy for the victims of the Malegaon blasts? This song was Gandhiji's favourite. A terrorist member of an outfit inspired by Gandhi's assassin just became a BJP candidate. Have some shame singing this song.
The #rasabyRaGa concerts have been such a joyful experience and the audience reception so far has been nothing short of spectacular! The India tour of Rasa by RaGa concludes with New Delhi on Sat, Apr 6. A concert that brings together inclusivity and diversity through the universal language of Indian classical music.
Join us on Sat April 6 at Tamil Sangam Auditorium.
Ticket link:
eppoevent.com/rasa-by-raga-n…#RaGa#RanjaniGayatri#RanjiniGayathri#indianclassicalmusic#Delhi
For all the sacred Murthis and devatas that have been taken out of their rightful place in temples, our prayerful musical offering. Srivalli Devasanepate for Karthikeya.
@vikramsampath@jsaideepak , with their deep scholarship, amazing articulation and unflinching commitment to truth fill us with renewed pride and hope in our country and culture. May their tribe grow and prosper 🙏🏻
We share our joy on this very special day of Bhumi Puja of Ayodhya Ram Mandir through this Purandaradasa composition.
piped.video/WXld4E1-Syo
May Sri Rama bless us all!
MS Amma expressed music as the highest form of bhakti. When MS Amma was singing Bhagwan Nama inspiring millions over decades, a man called by Nehru as one with a 'perverted mind', was abusing our Dharma and spewing filthy language on our beliefs and the believers.
Now, a glorifier of that political package is not ashamed to run all the way to the Supreme court to keep an award in the name of the colossal Sanatani MS Amma. Only to be rejected.
#Values#justiceprevailslivelaw.in/top-stories/tm-kr…
She transformed a life of hardship into a lasting green legacy. She devoted herself to planting and nurturing thousands of trees, becoming a symbol of environmental care and earning national honour.
Saalumarada Thimmakka passes away at 114, but her living forest continues to inspire. Atma Shanti
#respect#Saalumaradathimmakka#inspiration#legacy
Iniya Puttaandu vaazhttukkal dear friends! Wishing all of you a very happy, auspicious and joyful Vishu, as we fly back to Chennai from Hongkong!
#puttandu#tamizhnewyear#vishu2024
With the grace of Sri Rama, we take great joy in releasing the powerful Sri Rama Raksha Stotram composed by the great sage Valmiki. As we wish you all a very auspicious Rama Navami, at pray for Rama's blessings and well-being for all🙏🏼
Here's the link
piped.video/EMeSTcffrEI
To add context and clarification to our original post below.
There are many new visitors to our Social pages who may not be familiar with the settings of where Carnatic music concerts are held.
In a temple (and even in many Sabhas), many people sit on the floor and the seats are either given to old and needy people. Sometimes it is given on first come first served or based on reservations. There are also music fans who prefer to sit on the floor to get close proximity to the stage. This is not due to any discrimination. No such discrimination has ever been in any of our concerts.
For those who are concerned about the lady sitting on the floor: "Please attend concerts, you'll get a true picture".
What can be more pure beautiful and emotional than this? From heart to heart with the power of music.
Shared by a rasika from the audience at Vishwambhara Temple, Kottakkal.
A very special moment captured by a fan as we made our way to meet our fans and rasikas post concert at the Esplanade, Singapore. Blessed to get such an outpouring of wishes, love and joy from the audiences!
That a narrative is being built that music can separately exist as "art music ", disassociated from Hindu Dharma, spirituality is mind boggling. Unfortunate.
1/2
One heart is not enough to hold the joy, bliss and fulfilment that is coursing through us, as we sang at the divine precincts of Sri Ram Lalla Mandir, Ayodhya! To have His darshan both before and after the concert which was held right next to the sanctum..
At the book release of @vikramsampath 's #BraveheartsofBharat. Such an invigorating session that threw up ideas n truths that inspired n touched us. About Bharat, Her heroes and heroines,legacy of valour and innate strength of our matchless civilization. More power to you Vikram!
“Sir, Is Royal Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsing for Valiant now?”
“No Gayatri, they don’t. They don’t need rehearsals. They play it perfectly as they see the score”
“Really”
“If I ask you to sing a Kamboji, would you need any preparation? They are always prepared.”
“I want to be there to see the excitement”
“I am as excited as you are”
He is full of smiles and happiness discussing music. He also shared this information that the Symphony will be presented in major European cities and Dubai this year.
Maestro brims over with youthful energy and is focussed on doing his musical works for films despite the steady flow of the who’s who of TN political leaders visiting him to wish him for the Valiant Symphony’s release in London this week.
He asked me about the “Mullai Vasam” song Ranjani sang for the film Tiruvalluvar. I sang a few swaras and phrases leading from its tune and asked him what Raga connection he composed it on.
He teased me “You find out”
He gave me this clue: “I built it on a phrase from an Abhang that you presented”
I am yet to succeed in solving the Maestro's riddle.
#Ilaiyaraaja#Raaja#maestro#Ilaiyaraja#valiant#symphony#Royalphilharmonic#orchestra#isaignani#RaGa
Look at the audience intensity and involvement, the intimacy of the concert space. This video was just after a round of neraval, the ensuing kalpanaswara elicited more applause for how the Mridangam artist Sri Delhi Sairam anticipated the singer's idea. May the tribe of such rasikas grow!
Glad to see the crowds coming back after the post covid slump. A sea of people at the wonderful Rama Navami festival by Sree Ramaseva Mandali-B'lore
May this trend continue!
What fantastic energy and vibes yesterday! So many young bright faces and musical souls.. the pics say it all! Such a joy to have the dynamic @Tejasvi_Surya with us, who captured this beautiful moment after the concert in these selfies!
Allegedly happened? Ahh, what a comfortably vague and safe reading of history. The original Rama temple's destruction had no violence attached is it? The thousands of temples destroyed, the brutal attempts to raze a culture down- this is all "alleged"- our imagination merely.
As our beloved Guru Sri P.S.Narayanaswamy Mama passes on, leaving us and the carnatic music world in grief and loss, we seek solace and strength from his teachings and memories of him. To be with him, was to be beside a fountain of perennial positivity, happiness and generosity.
Felt like a Bengaluru audience, such were the super charged vibes in yesterday's concert for HKUST Cosmopolis Festival - complete with cheers, whistles and such an incredible outpouring of love! Dear music lovers of Hongkong, you rock!
Carrying these memories with us as we fly back home!
#hongkong#ranjanigayatri#cosmopolis#concertvibes
With the divine grace of Lalitambika, and the blessings of so many good souls, we release #LalitaSahasranamam on our YouTube channel. Seek all of your good wishes as we bring this out. Will be soon available in all leading streaming platforms.
piped.video/zgG-gjioU1g
We are so overwhelmed and moved by your magnanimity, we take your words of appreciation as a blessing. Singing this concert was a journey of huge musical enrichment for us, our heartfelt gratitude and pranams to the one and only @ilaiyaraaja sir.
What an unforgettable experience on the day of Varalaksmi Pooja! To sing a devotional song for Isaignani Ilayaraja Sir for the upcoming movie Maayon. To speak with him, see him in action and listen to him as he composed, shared his insights, it felt truly surreal! #blessedday
At the sacred Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj. The unflinching bhakti we see everywhere, beyond the chaos, crowds is surreal. What a blissful feeling to be here, and to sing here as our devotional offering today at the Adi Shankarachaya Sound of Oneness Ekatma Dhaam.
A very memorable Navaratri concert in the warm, intimate chamber space of Isaignani Sri Ilaiyaraaja's home with Mridangam Sai Giridhar Nishanth Chandran and S Krishna.
Not one! But I expect bold artists like @ranjanigayatri to come out to condone this! They have always been outspoken- and to defend Tyagarajaswami will be their delight!
Wishing all of you a, very happy Ugadi and Gudi Padwa! Looking forward to singing today in Secunderabad on this auspicious day! At Keyes high school at 6:15 PM
We will be presenting a concert in Hongkong on Saturday, 13 April at 7:30 PM for HKUST Cosmopolis Festival at Shaw Auditorium for the 2024 season of the Cosmopolis Festival. This festival highlights Hong Kong as a cultural hub and features concerts by some of the most renowned performers from around the world. All events are free and open to the public.
We'll be joined by co-artists Vittal Rangan Mridangam Sai Giridhar Ghatam Krishna.
More info here: cosmopolisfestival.hkust.edu…@hkust#ranjanigayatri#RaGa#Hongkong#indianclassicalmusic#ragalive#cosmopolis#festival
With the blessings of Muruga, our rendition of #SubramanyaBhujangam is now released on our YouTube channel.
piped.video/C-0hCiDfYHk
We dedicate this to the memory of our beloved mother Late Smt Meenakshi who chanted this everyday. Muruganakku Arohara!
On the auspicious occasion of #RamaNavami we pray for Rama's grace to carry us all through these troubled times. Here is the evergreen composition of Sadguru Tyagaraja Swami - Seethapati in Raga Khamas. Click here to watch and listen.
piped.video/i2BDLL0z4Xg2
Such powerful divine vibes in the air at #puttaparthi that was suffused with bhakti and a oneness of spirit. To sing at Prasanthi Mandir, Puttaparthi on the occasion of #GuruPoornima was to experience indescribable bliss with over ten thousand connected souls. With our wonderful team of artists Smitha Hm N. Manoj Siva Ghatam Krishna and coordinated by Sri Sai Shravanam
1. There is absolutely no substitute for Sanatana Dharma when it comes to spirituality, its understanding of consciousness and the essence of the human condition. The sheer range of options available to look inward depending on one's tendencies is astounding.
Little did we realise, for the first time when both of us decided to express our thoughts in our Facebook page on election day, as sincere Indian citizens, that we would create so many ripples! Sharing a sample of... facebook.com/1219994273/post…
By peddling fake narratives and anti-India propaganda, Hamid Ansari demeans his image more than he demeans India’s. Perhaps he is still smarting from the time his Islamic fundamentalist antecedence was laid bare by Modi in that farewell speech.
My views:
What a privilege to meet and talk with the Dronacharya of Indian chess @Rameshchess who has mentored several brilliant grandmasters and young stars on chess. His simplicity, authenticity And brilliance shone through as he spoke today as part of the book release!
With a sense of profound happiness and devotion, we announce the release of our rendition of "Subramanya Bhujangam"- Adi Sankara's matchless verses on Muruga. This is a labour of love and we dedicate this to the memory of our beloved mother Smt Meenakshi who chanted this daily.
Matchless moments from yesterday's concert at Bidaram, Mysore. Looking forward to singing today for Sree Ramaseva Mandali-B'lore Fort high school with Vittal Rangan Delhi Sairam and Omkar Rao
ramanavamitickets.com/r_c_ti…
Looking forward to singing tomorrow, Sunday Aug 4 at 5 PM for Kudla Arts Festival, Mangalore. With co-artistes L Ramakrishnan N. Manoj Siva Vazhapilli Krishnakumar.
A great soul, an erudite scholar. He was kind and generous enough to proof check our Lalita Sahasranamam, Durga Pancharatnam and many other sloka renditions, also explaining their deeper meanings and context. Om Sadgati 🙏
Prof.N.Veezhinathan, former HoD, Sanskrit, University of Madras & father of Prof.V.Kamakoti, director, @iitmadras reached the heavenly abode this morning by 11.00am at Chennai.
A staunch sishya of @KanchiMatham had very close connection with all 3 Acharyas during his life time 🙏
The highly anticipated “rasā by RaGa” is hitting 10 cities across the USA this September!
Specially curated by us, this concert is a must-see for everyone - whether you’re new to Carnatic music or a devoted fan, this experience is for you!
Rasa by RaGa is presented by @eppomusic
Book your tickets now at eppoevent.com/rasabyraga
WASHINGTON DC - September 6th
NEW JERSEY - September 7th
BOSTON - September 8th
DALLAS - September 14th
AUSTIN - September 15th
SAN DIEGO - September 20th
SAN JOSE - September 21st
SEATTLE - September 22nd
CHICAGO - September 28th
ATLANTA - September 29th
See you there !
Our Pongal and Sankaranthi greetings and namaskarams to you, from a chilly Bengaluru! Looking forward to singing today evening at Bengaluru Gayana Samaja at 5 PM with L Ramakrishnan Mridangam Sai Giridhar Omkar Rao
We did an Ad shoot for Deepam Pooja oil, and here it is! The process of singing, shooting the video, acting and taking multiple retakes- it was an entire world of learning and fun, gruelling though it was! Kudos to the team headed by Mr Babushankar who brought such elegant and divine visuals and feel to the production.
#ranjanigayatri#adshoot#deepampoojaoil#raga
As we look forward to this weekend of concerts in Mysore in Sat, 27 April( for Bidaram Krishnappa Rama Navami concert) and in Bengaluru on Sunday, Apr 28 for Sree Ramaseva Mandali-B'lore Fort high school, here are memories of our previous years' concerts here.
Ticket link for Fort high school concert on Sunday. ramanavamitickets.com/r_c_ti…
Please note that Bidaram Krishnappa concert is non ticketed.
This is so sweet, what a precocious little one! We better be careful, who knows, she may be picking out the swaras and analysing every raga in our next concert! Blessings and best wishes for a great musical journey to this talented child!
Catching musical notes like this and even correcting her mom this ..Little talented shalmali who mesmerized everyone including Modiji with her piano skills is definitely blessed with something special..
"Komalatara pallava pada kodanda Rama"
Krithi "Mamava pattabhirama" in raga Manirang composed by Sri Muthuswami Deekshithar in the presence of Thyagaraja Swamy
@ranjanigayatri 's divine rendition yesterday at Koodalmanikyam temple, Irinjalakuda
#HappySriRamaNavami#Ramanavami
A rollercoaster of emotions after watching #Rocketry - from pride, joy to shame and pain.. What a brilliant movie by @ActorMadhavan . Pranams to #DrNambiNarayanan, what an inspirational life 🙏🏼 Deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Rocketry team!