T.M. Krishna

Thodur Madabusi Krishna, born January 22, 1976 in Chennai, is one of the leading Carnatic vocalists of his generation, known for reimagining the format and substance of the traditional kutcheri concert. He trained initially under Bhagavathula Seetharama Sharma, and later specialized in Ragam Thanam Pallavi under Chingleput Ranganathan and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Beyond performance, Krishna is an outspoken social activist who writes and speaks on caste discrimination, environmental issues, and human rights. He received the 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his commitment to art's power to heal India's social divisions and the 2024 Sangita Kalanidhi award.