Mysuru: “The minute my Tambura is tuned, I switch to music mode and forget everything,” said noted Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna on Friday in response to a query about being targeted by right-wing fringe outfits.Expressing his gratitude to Mysuru police for ensuring security for his event, Krishna said, “I was trolled by right-wing activists, who also cheered when a concert I was slated to perform in was cancelled. Not just musicians, but artistes in general have distanced themselves from issues plaguing society.”Lamenting the persistence of feudalism in India, he added, “Whether it is caste or gender, the feudal mindset dominates in India. Artistes were once part of a king or zamindar’s coterie, and now they are associated with politicians, bureaucrats and corporate sponsors. They are scared of losing chances to perform if they ruffle anyone’s feathers. This is the basic problem in India. Even in Bollywood, actors who have great wealth are scared of their cinemas being banned and their investments taking a hit if they speak on any issues. Only few artistes speak out, and when they do, they make sure to say things that protect them. We have to accept the fact that the environment is not friendly.”Krishna expressed hope of the next generation of artistes flocking to those who spoke out on key issues. “I am an optimist, and I believe they are far more aware of issues, and more connected with the society,” he added.PM Modi’s silence questionedQuestioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on incidents of people being attacked over a certain kind of meat , Krishna said, “We do not hear any statement from our PM or those at the helm. In fact, elected representatives themselves are saying violent things. People are uploading clips of attacks thinking they are immune.”Krishna regretted that India had become a country where people were screaming, and bullying and unwilling to listen to what others had to say. “It is only getting worse. It is time we did something about it. Besides the government, we, members of civil society need to think about how we are talking to each other,” said the singer, adding that the most beautiful thing about democracy was that one could ask difficult questions, and if this was restricted, it would cease being one.Confirming that he had received many threats via e-mail, Krishna said, “I am happy I do not own a phone, which is why I have not received threat calls or messages.”

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