TM Krishna challenges censorship and artistic self-censorship amid Annapoorani backlash: “When art is black or white, it’s a lie”

Renowned Carnatic singer TM Krishna has shared his insights on the recent controversy surrounding the removal of the Nayanthara-starrer Annapoorani from the streaming platform Netflix. In an interview with Quint, Krishna expressed his reservations about implementing blanket bans, underlining the significance of fostering open dialogues and embracing diverse perspectives.

“I don’t believe in any kind of blanket ban – even if they are ideas I don’t agree with. I don’t believe anything should be banned,” Krishna affirmed, advocating for an inclusive space that accommodates a variety of voices and viewpoints.

Delving into the heart of the matter, Krishna addressed the issue of fear and self-censorship prevalent in the artistic community. “If the people with immense power, even social standing, are so afraid about doing this, how can you expect the common person to raise their voice?” Krishna questioned, highlighting the disparity between the privileged and the marginalised.

The interview touched upon the diverse perspectives within the artistic community. Krishna acknowledged that artists may hold genuine beliefs, while others might be influenced or manipulated by external agendas. However, he stressed the importance of engaging in open dialogues that challenge artists’ preconceived notions and encourage them to confront biases.

“There is always going to be artists with different takes on this… But I think the one thing that every artist can assure or should assure themselves of, is honesty, integrity, and willingness to learn,” Krishna asserted. He called for artists to embrace the complexity and nuance inherent in art asserting, “We can disagree with the art, but the art will have shades of grey shades we don’t comprehend. When art is black or white, it’s usually a lie. Art exists only in that gap.”

Also Read: Mahesh Bhatt REACTS to removal of Annapoorni from Netflix; says, “We globally live in very sensitive times”