Hindustani vocalist Nagaraja Rao Havaldar has lamented the lack of recognition for established artists at the ongoing Hampi Utsav.
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Hindustani classical vocalist Nagaraja Rao Havaldar has expressed strong disapproval of the treatment of classical music and musicians at the Hampi Utsav, a three-day State-sponsored cultural festival being held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in Vijayanagara district.

The event, which began on Friday, has drawn criticism for its handling of classical music performances.

Havaldar, a 65-year-old native of Hosapete near Hampi, lamented the lack of recognition for established artists.

He revealed that artists are required to submit formal applications to the Department of Kannada and Culture, event organiser, to be considered for giving performances.

“A friend informed me that I needed to apply as per the department’s norms. I refused. If the department truly valued my talent, they should have invited me directly. It is demeaning for an artist to apply to showcase his skills. I do not need to prove my credentials at any festival,” he asserted.

“My question is whether all artists, including popular singers, are required to apply for giving performances. To my knowledge, the department often invites popular singers voluntarily and offers them substantial remuneration. However, classical musicians are expected to submit formal applications. This disparity is unfair,” he said.

He further criticised the inadequate time allocated to classical music performances at the festival.

“I was shocked to learn that Jayadevi Jangamashetti, a classical musician and faculty member of the Central University of Karnataka, was given only 15 minutes to perform. Classical music cannot be condensed into such a short duration. Even tuning the instruments to the desired pitch can take up to 20 minutes. Expecting a classical musician to perform in 15 minutes is absurd,” he lamented.

Havaldar emphasized the broader implications of such treatment. “My concern is for the future of classical music and the younger generation. If this is how we treat our classical heritage, its survival is at risk,” he concluded.

Concurring with him, Ashok Huggannavar, a retired professor of music who served at SDM College in Honnavar, criticised the Department of Kannada and Culture for allegedly prioritising favouritism when selecting artists for State-sponsored events.

“I was the Head of the Music Department and have been performing classical music for over 45 years. Despite my experience and contributions to the field of music, the Department of Kannada and Culture has never invited me to perform at any State-sponsored festivals such as Hampi Utsav, Karavali Utsav, Kadamba Utsav, Chalukya Utsav, Lakkundi Utsav or Mysuru Dasara Utsav,” Huggannavar told The Hindu.

He further alleged that the department’s selection process lacks transparency and fairness.

The remarks of Havaldar  and Huggannavar underscore growing concerns about the equitable distribution of opportunities and the preservation of classical music traditions in State-sponsored cultural events.