Nirmala Sitharaman tears up at MS Subbulakshmi anniversary event. Watch
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman became emotional at an event in Bengaluru on Wednesday while listening to a song by legendary Carnatic singer M S Subbulakshmi. A video shared by ANI showed Sitharaman tearing up as the song played during the programme held to mark Subbulakshmi's 110th birth anniversary.
Speaking at the gathering, Sitharaman reflected on Subbulakshmi's contribution to Carnatic music and remembered her for her dedication, humility and rigorous training. She also spoke about the place of bhakti in Carnatic music and Subbulakshmi's role in carrying the tradition across languages and spiritual traditions.
"So, bhakti in Carnatic music is the living soul of the tradition, kept vibrant through a magnificent confluence of languages. In a single concert, the diverse linguistic and spiritual traditions flow together like rivers into the ocean," Sitharaman said. Speaking about Subbulakshmi's discipline, she said, "Her genius rested on an unforgiving intellectual discipline."#WATCH | Karnataka: Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gets emotional and breaks down as she hears a song being sung at an event in Bengaluru to mark the 110th birth anniversary of legendary singer MS Subbulakshmi. pic.twitter.com/FjDpAtwDqNβ ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2026
Born in Madurai on September 16, 1916, M S Subbulakshmi became one of the most celebrated Carnatic vocalists of the 20th century. She came from a family of traditional performing artistes and went on to leave a lasting mark on Indian classical music.
Subbulakshmi was the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 1998. She was also the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974. In 1966, she became the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. She died in Chennai on December 11, 2004, at the age of 88.
Her life is also set to be explored on screen in the upcoming pan-Indian biopic MS - A Legacy On Screen, in which Rashmika Mandanna will play the legendary singer and Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music. The Bengaluru event marked Subbulakshmi's 110th birth anniversary, with Sitharaman's remarks and visible emotion underscoring the singer's enduring legacy.- EndsPublished By: K JananiPublished On: Sep 17, 2026 10:52 ISTALSO READ | Rashmika to bring legendary singer MS Subbulakshmi to life, film launch tomorrow
