The whole world of Carnatic Music aficionados, institutions, Vidwans, Rasikas and musicologist should watch this video-clip below and hang their collective heads in shame and sin.
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The Muslim woman castigates Kamal Haasan for having disgraced Sri Thyagaraja once when he spoke during an Instagram Live conversation with actor Vijay Sethupathi on May 4, 2020. He stated that Thyagaraja sang praises of Lord Rama while “begging” (using the Tamil word “picchai”) on the streets of Thanjavur, contrasting it with his own commercial film career.
Haasan aimed to highlight Thyagaraja’s dedication to art over money via “unchavritti” (devotional alms collection), but Carnatic musicians like Palghat Ramprasad and the Malladi brothers condemned it as derogatory, launching a Change.org petition with over 13,000 signatures demanding an apology. They emphasized Thyagaraja was a “Haridasa” (devotee) practicing sacred bhakti, not a beggar.
“Unchavritti” or “unja viruthi” involved Thyagaraja accepting voluntary food offerings while singing Rama kritis, viewed as spiritual nirvana in bhakti tradition, not desperation. Kamal Hasan critics noted he had overlooked this cultural nuance
Musicians demanded an “unconditional apology” via Change.org and public statements, arguing it insulted Carnatic music heritage and Hindu faith. Legal notices for defamation were reportedly issued, but no retraction followed.
Contemporary reports from May 2020, like “Will Kamal Apologise?” and coverage in Deccan Herald and India Today, mention only the petition and notice but no one from the fraternity of Carnatic Musicians (who make a living for themselves singing Thyagaraja kritis!) filed any lawsuit or court proceedings. Haasan did not respond with an apology, and the issue faded without legal follow-through.
As of 2026, no records of a defamation suit, verdict, or settlement exist in news or court reports related to this incident.
As an ordinary Carnatic music Rasika , I too partially bear vicarious responsibility along with the entire world of Carnatic Music lovers for having quietly and conveniently forgotten about Kamal Hassan’s slur on Saint Thyagaraja. But my guilt is not either as grave or as damning as that of Vidwans and of hallowed institutions that piously claim their mission is to protect, preserve and promote the heritage of Saint Thyagaraja. While I do not forgive myself, I still say to them , “Shame on all of you!”
And to that feisty Muslim lady, I bow my head in humble salutations for letting us all know that she at least has neither forgotten nor forgiven history.
Sudarshan Madabushi
I agree with the views expressed by Mulim Woman and true Carnatic music lovers.It is a crime to forget them V.Ganapathi. Tiruchi retd The Hindu Reporter