For the past five years, Tamil film director Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre has hosted Margazhiyil Makkal Isai, a celebration and cultural event combined into one joyful experience. The annual event challenges the usual type of art performed at sabhas in the state, where traditional art forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music—seen as “high culture”—usually dominate.
Over these five years, the Centre has given city residents a chance to enjoy the music of the people. Performances have included festive gaana songs, rap with energetic beats, politically charged folk music, smooth bandThe performances included lively gaana songs, rap with strong beats, political folk music, smooth band music, and oppari music, which comes from Dalit, Bahujan, and working-class communities.These performances have connected deeply with audiences, with over 12,000 people registering to watch the final day of events in 2024.