Credit where it is due: The controversy over Ponniyin Selvan2 song Veera Raja Veera has stirred a debate on blatant lifting of folk and classical renditions
In the classical music tradition in both North and South India, primary importance is given to spontaneous creativity. The outline and grammar of a raga exists, but it is expanded and embellished by the musician. There is a profusion of compositions and a musician is expected to master several in ea