“It all started with the idea of our Margazhi season where so many performers showcased their art in different venues. I wondered what it would mean if we chose to replicate this idea in the form of poetry. After all, the verses of Carnatic composer Muthuswami Dikshitar and the likes of thumris and bhajans, take the form of poetry. What would it mean to delve into this space entirely in a city like Chennai?” recalls Ranvir Shah, founder-trustee, Prakriti Foundation. Older women who did not enter pubs, found themselves listening to Tamil rap artist Sofia Ashraf, engaging with her politics, also in verse.

Source: The Hindu December 31, 2025 09:34 UTC