There has been some buzz in social media on the choice of having renowned music director A R Rahman as the chief guest for the launch of  99th annual conference and concerts of The Music Academy, which took place on Dec.15.

Some recalled the recognition given to music composer Ilaiyaraja as the guest at the Academy some years ago as an afterthought and a delayed invitation and that inviting Rahman indicated to the winds of change at the Academy which is seen to be orthodox and stiff.

Some disapproved the Rahman choice, saying that while he is a great and internationally respected music artiste his choice by the Academy for such an event was not right.

‘The Academy is now run by people who are anti-Brahmin,’ said one social media post.

Rahman also seemed to have disappointed some guests at the launch of the Academy’s fest on Monday, for not preparing well for his speech which he ended rather abruptly.

The Academy’s decision to choose T. M. Krishna for the Sangita Kalanidhi title for 2024 had generated much controversy and a legal challenge too.