Classical arts sidelined at Hampi Utsav

Bollywood and Sandalwood artistes steal the show

Bollywood singer Shalmali Kolgade enthralled the crowd at the recent Hampi Utsav.— File photo

Gone are the days when traditional classical music and dance used to dominate the Hampi Utsav, the three-day cultural extravaganza held at the erstwhile seat of the Vijayanagar empire.

Now it is the blaring performances of Bollywood and Sandalwood singers and artistes, which is eclipsing classical art forms that used to give an audio-visual cultural treat for the connoisseurs.

New trend

This new trend was ushered in 2008 when playback singers, including Asha Bhosle, Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Podwal, and Gurukiran were invited to perform at the event. The practice has continued since then.

Not only that, there were instances when Hindusthani and Carnatic vocalists and classical dance performers were embarrassed by the audience, especially the youth, turning impatient to listen to playback singers, which forced them to conclude their performances abruptly.

During the Hampi Utsav in 2014, held after a gap of three years, a host of classical artistes had to perform before empty chairs as the audience flocked to Bollywood and Sandalwood singers lined up on the main stage.

Even at the just concluded Hampi Utsav 2015, Bollywood and Sandalwood singers were preferred over classical arts as the response of the audience for their performances was not that encouraging.

Earlier, when Hampi Utsav used to be organised under the stewardship of the late M.P. Prakash, priority was accorded to classical dance and music art and also to traditional folk art. Till then, the connoisseurs had an opportunity to listen/see some of the renowned top class artistes from across the State and country.

Not that film stars were not invited then, but they were asked to give classical dance performances.

Culture and tradition

Old timers sought to know why Bollywood and Sandalwood singers should be invited at the utsav which is aimed at propagating the culture and tradition of the State and the country.

“There is no need to club Bollywood and Sandalwood singers with classical artistes at cultural festivals like Hampi Utsav. The organisers can think of organising their [Bollywood/Sandalwood] music programmes elsewhere, especially for fund raising programmes, but not in Hampi,” Srinivas, an ardent lover of classical art, said.