Salil Jose
Chennai: It is going to be a memorable music season this time for many retiring artistes of classical music and dance in Chennai who have spent their whole life following their passion and yet live in penury at the sunset of their lives.
A fund to support the retiring artistes in the city will be launched this season by Global Adjustments Pvt Ltd and The Interface.
'Consolidation of sabhas needed'
The noble initiative called 'Smrutha Dhvani – Music Reborn’ is an idea of Ranjini Manian of Global Adjustments.
Asked about what made her think about the retiring artistes, Ranjini Manian said, “I find in no other place in the world about 2,000 concerts and dance programmes taking place. All artistes are important. However, not much importance is given to the accompanying artistes. They help the vocalist or the dancer shine on the stage. But in their old age, they don’t have enough money to meet their daily expenses. So I thought of raising a pension fund for them.”
Charulatha Mani on her most memorable music season
Ranjini is being supported in this initiative by artistes like P Unnikrishnan, Aruna Sairam and Sudharani Raghupathy.
Usha Sridhar of The Interface said artistes who have performed for 20 years are eligible for the pension.
They hoped to raise the fund through various ticketed cultural events, sponsorship and donation, she said.
Madras Music and Dance Festival
For more details, contact: the.interface@gmail.com
