Singer Pushpavathy has responded strongly to filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s recent controversial comments made during the Kerala Film Conclave, asserting that she spoke out of conviction, not for publicity or support. Speaking to the media, Pushpavathy said she had no regrets about publicly disagreeing with the veteran director’s remarks that Dalit and Adivasi filmmakers selected for state funding should first undergo formal training, and that funding should not be granted to women filmmakers based solely on gender.
“I said what I had to say because I believed it needed to be said. I didn’t expect or seek anyone’s support. Now, when you look at social media, it’s clear that many people have responded with solidarity,” she said. Pushpavathy also rejected Adoor’s suggestion that her protest was an attempt to gain publicity. “That comment does not deserve a response,” she said, adding that the filmmaker should spend time understanding the lived experiences of Dalit communities. “He needs to broaden his outlook,” she added.
Responding to Adoor’s claim that she was not from the film industry, the singer reminded critics of her two-decade-long presence in playback singing and her contributions to socially conscious music. “I entered the film music scene in 2001 and have sung for numerous notable films. Perhaps because Adoor’s films don’t often feature songs, he questioned why a singer was present at the conclave. But I was there on an invitation from the state,” she clarified.
Pushpavathy began her playback career with 'Kaathu Kaathoru Mazhayath' in Nammal and gained popularity with songs like 'Chembavin Punnellin' from Salt N’ Pepper. Beyond cinema, she is known for her independent compositions that draw from the poetry of Madhavikutty, Sree Narayana Guru and others, often addressing themes of resistance, caste and identity. She is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
Pushpavathy also responded to lyricist and filmmaker Sreekumaran Thampi, who defended Adoor and criticised her for interrupting his speech. Sreekumaran Thampi had said that speaking over someone of Adoor’s stature was disrespectful and that few knew of Pushpavathy before the incident. “He is my contemporary, and I have the utmost respect for him. I don’t wish to argue with him, no matter what he says,” she said. “But the public is watching all of this.”
