How singer Dhammarakshit draws on centuries-old poetry to spark conversations on social injustice
The Mumbai-based Ambedkarite singer brings the voices of Kabir, Ravidas, Soyrabai, Chokhamela, Tukaram and Phule alive through his music.
Asha Bhosle's last recorded film song to release on her birth anniversary
Titled Ae Meri Zindagi, Tu Chupi Hai Kahan, the song was recorded in late 2023, when Asha was in her 90
Food, music and Chennai favourites come together at The Hindus Food and Music Festival
As Chennai turns 387, the Made of Chennai festivities draw to a close with an evening of music, food, games and city-wide nostalgia at YMCA, Nandanam
Remembering Dolly Parton, who gave away everything but her songs
The Queen of Country Music, who passed away recently, gave away more than 300 million books and millions of dollars in aid, but refused to surrender the copyright to one song, even for Elvis Presley.
From sacred fire to darkness: Navia Natarajans choreographic exploration of Agni
Navia Natarajan combined mythology and Tamil literature to depict fire as a creator, destroyer and purifier at Natyarangams Pancha Bhootha Bharatham festival in Chennai.
9 to 5, then forever: Dolly Partons Era will never end
At the end of the day, I hope that I will be remembered as a good songwriter. The songs are my legacy, Dolly Parton, Songteller
Sounds of Onam: Keeping the Chenda beat alive in Chennai
Rajeev Kumars Sri Sastha Kshetra Vadya Sangam has been teaching to play the Chenda free of cost to enthusiasts in Chennai for over a decade.
Meet the Carnatic quartet that bridges traditions
A concert by Shreya Devnath, Mylai Karthikeyan, Praveen Sparsh and G. Silambarasan balanced classical repertoire with diverse musical influences.
Sri Lankas iconic singer Nanda Malini dies at 82
Malinis long career, remarkable body of work, and the choices that shaped them reveal not only how Sri Lankas political landscape evolved over time, but also the many strands of nationalist and progressive politics that coexisted during those years of tumult
A birthday note to Madras: The city that is shaped by its arts
How Chennais cultural ethos continues to inspire, challenge and renew itself
Shubha Mudgal leads Bengalurus Jackfruit Festival with 194 young musicians from across India
Helmed by Bhoomija Trust, the eighth edition of Jackfruit Festival brings together 194 young performers for three days of performances, workshops, and outreach programmes
From page to screen: How Madras filmmakers brought literature to life
Looking at some Tamil films, which were based on novels and plays
K. Saveshan explores the human-earth relationship through dance
Sarveshans Prithvi opened the Natyarangams annual Bharatham festival, themed on Pancha Bhootham.
How poets and artistes kept alive the spirit of freedom
This Independence Day, looking at how the written and spoken word continue to resonate across generations.
The 38-year-old choir in Thiruvananthapuram, formed in memory of legendary musician MB Sreenivasan, has several patriotic songs in its repertoire, in multiple regional languages
For Chennai-based singer Susha, Love Language is an act of self-care
Music composer, singer and visual artist Susha talks about her first independent full-fledged album, Love Language, collaborating with friends, and how making music took her on a journey through memory
N. Guruprasad gives the clay ghatam a wooden makeover
Called ONE G (One Ghatam), the innovation was patented with support from Vignesh Ishwar and the Sumanasa Foundation, founded by T.M. Krishna. It will be launched on August 19 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai
In Kolkata, At the Still Point brings two performances that explore belonging
At the eighth edition of At the Still Point, Madhya Pradeshs Gram Art Project and Manipuri artiste Surjit Nongmeikapam use Cotton Stainers and Fountain to explore womens labour, seed sovereignty, memory, violence, displacement and what it means to find or lose a sense of home.
In Kolkata, At the Still Point brings two performances that explore belonging
At the eighth edition of At the Still Point, Madhya Pradeshs Gram Art Project and Manipuri artiste Surjit Nongmeikapam use Cotton Stainers and Fountain to explore womens labour, seed sovereignty, memory, violence, displacement and what it means to find or lose a sense of home.
Irshad Kamil on Main Vaapas Aaunga and writing songs that belong to everyone
The popular lyricist and poet breaks down the process of working on the earworms, Vo Nahin, Tere Paas Mai and Kya Kamaal Hai from Imtiaz Alis Main Vaapas Aaunga'
BTS Boycott: Will labelling music bring more trouble for the Grammys?
The globally popular K-pop band questions the Grammys new Asian Pop category, arguing that music should not be divided by region or language.
Natyarangam to host its annual dance festival themed on Pancha Bhootham
Five dancers and five musicians come together to explore the myriad facets of the five elements at the Bharatham festival, to be held from August 14 to 18 at Narada Gana Sabha, Chennai.
Banyan Trees Barkha Ritu brings the pitter-patter of the season back to Bengaluru
Barkha Ritu, the monsoon music festival by Banyan Tree, returns to Bengaluru this Independence Day
Banyan Trees Barkha Ritu brings the pitter-patter of the season back to Bengaluru
Barkha Ritu, the monsoon music festival by Banyan Tree, returns to Bengaluru this Independence Day
National Handloom Day: How dancers are championing Indias handlooms
There is a strong connection between Indian dance and textiles. American photographer Briana Blasko explored this interplay through stunning images in her book Dance of the Weaves. During the years she spent documenting costumes, she researched how fabrics acquire new expressions on the dancers body, assuming a unique flow and fall through the movements of different dance forms. With growing awareness about sustainability and the need to support traditional weaves and the artisans who create them, dancers have increasingly been experimenting with handlooms for their costumes, often with remarkable success. Who better than these artistes to champion our craft traditions by showcasing the skill of master weavers on stage? There can be no better way to promote and preserve our rich textile heritage. We speak to artistes and experts from the performing arts ecosystem to trace this fascinating link between dance and drape.
How to become a global pop star in India? Hybe India CEO spills the beans
Following an encouraging response to the companys auditions across India, Hybe India CEO Damien Woochang Lee speaks about their plans for an India-based global girl group, artiste development, future collaborations, and whether BTS could eventually perform in the country
In conversation with classical dance guru Girija Chandran who won the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award
Girija Chandran, who runs Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra in Thiruvananthapuram, has never performed on stage, but the 75-year-old dance teacher has trained nearly a lakh students over the past 53 years and the recognition acknowledges her contribution to Mohiniyattam
In conversation with classical dance guru Girija Chandran who won the Sangeeth Natak Akademi Award
Girija Chandran, who runs Regatta Natya Sangeetha Kendra in Thiruvananthapuram, has never performed on stage, but the 75-year-old dance teacher has trained nearly a lakh students over the past 53 years and the recognition acknowledges her contribution to Mohiniyattam
Petal album review: Thank God for Ariana Grandes feminine rage
The artists eighth studio album leaves mourning behind to create an unforgiving, sexy, cinematic story on getting what you deserve
The Madras Rock Collective will sing rock anthems from the 1980s at its Chennai concert
The Madras Rock Collective, a five-member Chennai band, will take the stage on August 7 to play timeless rock anthems
Expressive abhinaya and rhythmic precision defined L. Shruthis Kuchipudi recital
A disciple of Seetha Nagajothy and P. Nagajothy, Shruthi performed for Brahma Gana Sabhas Aadi dance festival 2026.
Bhavana Iyer impressed with a carefully curated repertoire
Bhavana performed at Kedarams 11th year anniversary celebrations held at Ragasudha Hall, Luz, Mylapore.
Bhavana Iyer impressed with a carefully curated repertoire
Bhavana performed at Kedarams 11th year anniversary celebrations held at Ragasudha Hall, Luz, Mylapore.
Kavinsky, one of the defining sounds of the French electro scene, died this week at 50. Test your knowledge of the late artist
Kavinsky, one of the defining sounds of the French electro scene, died this week at 50. Test your knowledge of the late artist
A 17-year-old fan, a rainy Mananchira night and a lifetime with Rafi Saab
As admirers across the world commemorate Rafis death anniversary on Friday (July 31, 2026), Radio Koya recalls the legendary singers Kozhikode concert in 1973.
A 17-year-old fan, a rainy Mananchira night and a lifetime with Rafi Saab
As admirers across the world commemorate Rafis death anniversary on Friday (July 31, 2026), Radio Koya recalls the legendary singers Kozhikode concert in 1973.
BTS pulls out of Grammys after Asian pop category introduction
The South Korean megastars had been widely tipped to be in the running for several of the Grammys' top honours after their comeback album, ARIRANG, became one of this year's best-selling hits
Guru Purnima special: How Gen Z is redefining the rules of learning in classical arts
Looking at how open-minded gurus and questioning students are transforming the way dance and music are taught and learnt today
Sunil Koshy releases a song in light of student protests
The high-energy Datey Raho was composed and released within 24 hours
Finding hope through music: Sheetal Menon on her Spotify short film Duet
Sheetal Menon opens up on directing Duet, which holds the distinction of becoming Spotifys first-ever short film release
The artistes new song O Ri Sakhi is inspired by the Kashmiri Chakri style folk music and Rajasthani wedding festivities.
The Hyderabad music club that has been been hitting all the right notes since 1956
At Guruvar Mandal, professionals, students and veteran musicians gather for a baithak that has nurtured generations of Hindustani classical artistes since 1956
Shubha Mudgal explores verse to give voice to womens desire
At her recent concert in Mumbai, Shubha Mudgal revisited centuries-old conversations on sexuality, agency and womens lives in India through music, poetry and storytelling.
Roysten Abels A Hundred Charmers returns to Bengaluru
More than a musical, Roysten Abels A Hundred Charmers is a story of rehabilitation and perseverance
Chennai-based Jus Drums celebrates 24 years of percussion through an annual show
Jus Drums showcased a vibrant evening of percussion at the Mylapore Fine Arts Club on July 18, featuring students performing iconic Tamil cinema hits during their annual concert.
Mithun Shyam lent a distinct touch to timeless compositions
Disciple of Padmini Ramachandran, the young Bharatanatyam artiste performed at the Music Academys mid-year dance festival.
MD Pallavi performs in a multilingual concert at Bangalore International Centre
This recent concert by MD Pallavi, supported by Srinivas Achar, aimed to unite verses taken from different poetic traditions under a common idea of equality
Rathna Kumar laments the growing pay-to-perform culture in classical dance
The Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi exponent, who completes 75 years in dance, advocates stronger institutional funding, government grants and opportunities for emerging artistes.
Aaha! Digital dance festival concludes
Presented by Apsaras Dance Company, in collaboration with The Hindu, it featured productions crafted specifically for the virtual stage.
From Old Friend to SoundGarden: Shakthisree Gopalan on music, mental health and creativity
How Old Friend helped singer-songwriter Shakthisree Gopalan embrace herself
Everyones Janaki: The singers enduring legacy of love and mentorship
As fans across languages celebrate her unforgettable songs, fellow musicians recall a singer whose humility, affection and guidance touched several lives.
Does national recognition come belatedly for south Indian artistes? | In Focus Podcast
The death of legendary singer S. Janaki has sparked debate over South Indian artistes recognition in major awards, questioning whether biases exist in honoring talent across Indias diverse cultural landscape.
Mahesh Kales Abhangwari concert comes to Bengaluru on July 18
National Award winning musician Mahesh Kale is in Bengaluru this weekend as part of his Abhangwari India tour
M.A. Narasimhachar Music Foundation celebrates its silver jubilee
Hassan hotel owner honours S. Janaki with a book written in 2013
H.S. Ravi, a small hotel owner in Hassan, gathered information about S. Janaki and wrote a book titled Kannada Kampinali Gaana Kogile Dr. S. Janaki, highlighting her contributions to film music
S. Janakis demise: Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, singer P. Susheela pay rich tributes
Recalling their long musical association, Ilaiyaraaja described Janaki as an exceptionally hardworking artiste.
S. Janaki (1938-2026) the voice that belonged to every State | In pictures
If music is an art that enriches the aesthetic zone, S. Janaki was the undisputed queen
S. Janaki: remembering the iconic voice of south India
Janaki sang in Hindi and Sinhala too, but it was in the South Indian languages that she carved a niche. Her rendition was infused with love and pathos, and was often a hat-tip to bygone times
S. Janaki who had the voice for every human emotion
She possessed the rare ability to convey every shade of human emotion. Her songs remain woven into the cultural memory of South India.
S. Janaki (1938-2026) A collection recalling the singer's pan-India career
S. Janaki won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Senthoora Poove from 16 Vayathinile, the debut directorial venture of Bharathiraja, who passed away last month
Janaki sang in Hindi and Sinhala too, but it was in the South Indian languages that she carved a niche. Her rendition was infused with love and pathos, and was often a hat-tip to bygone times
When Bollywood jived to S. Janakis infectious voice
In the 1980s, when there was a massive influx of South Indian production houses into Bollywood, remaking South Indian hits into Hindi, Janaki emerged as a pan-Indian voice
The nightingale who stole Keralas heart
Janakis effortless singing and pleasant nature earned her enduring love and admiration across generations
Janakis early life in Telangana village shaped her interest in film music
Watch: Veteran playback singer S. Janaki passes away
DakshinaChitras LangFest 2026 makes space for the pluralities of voices in history
Through its panel discussions and artistic performances lined up for the two-day event, the fest aims to combat the idea of a single historical truth by acknowledging the multiplicities existing in history
Samji Arattupuzhas new song captures the nostalgia of Kerala church band music
Why Samji Arattupuzhas new song feels like Christmas at a Kerala Church. He has over 500 Christian devotional songs to his credit
Watch: Interview | The journey of Nagoor Babu to playback singer Mano
Born into a family of theatre artistes, Mano was exposed to music and acting from a very young age. He has a strong grounding in Carnatic music, having trained under Sangita Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishnamurthy. Following the advice of maestro Ilaiyaraaja, he chose to devote himself entirely to singing and gave up acting.
Sudha Ragunathan to perform at the sixth edition of Nda Sambhrama in Bengaluru
The noted musician and Padma Bhushan awardee talks about what an audience can expect at her upcoming concert
Prateek Kuhad interview: Inside Full Moon Chamber and his journey as a singer-songwriter
As Prateek Kuhads new album Full Moon Chamber releases, the singer-songwriter reflects on heartbreak, artistic growth and the collaborative process behind the album
Prateek Kuhad interview: Inside Full Moon Chamber and his journey as a singer-songwriter
As Prateek Kuhads new album Full Moon Chamber releases, the singer-songwriter reflects on heartbreak, artistic growth and the collaborative process behind the album
Vedas meet hip-hop in Avu and Abus debut album Potential
Hip-hop artistes Avu and Abu tap into their childhood in the agraharams of Palakkad for their debut album Potential
Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', has died at 75
Tyler earned three Grammy nods, represented Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013.
Kalyani remix is being celebrated for the presence of Shreya Ghoshal, and the music video, starring actor Saniya Iyappan
Nandagovindam Bhajans launches the first bhajan clubbing event in Kerala
ROOTS by Nandagovindam Bhajans, held in Thiruvananthapuram, saw the group regaling the audience with their popular numbers and a surprise in the form of Vineeth Sreenivasan
Latangi and Madhyamavati anchor S. Nithyasrees veena recital
Accompanied by B. Ganapathiraman on the mridangam and B.S. Purushotham on the kanjira, the concert at Narada Gana Sabha, was presented under the Mangalam Muthuswamy Veena Endowment series.
How Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai was inspired by Draupadi to challenge patriarchy
The trailblazing folk artiste, who passed away recently, took Pandavani, which narrates the story of the Pandavas, from village squares to the world stage.

