CHENNAI – The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the Kalaimamani awards for 2021, 2022 and 2023, recognising 90 artistes from cinema, literature, theatre and traditional art forms.

Playback legend KJ Yesudas will receive the MS Subbulakshmi national award for music, while Tamil scholar N Murugesa Pandian has been chosen for the Bharathiyar award for literature. Padma Shri Muthukannammal will be honoured with the Balasaraswati award for dance.

Among the Kalaimamani awardees are actors Sai Pallavi, SJ Suryah, Vikram Prabhu, and composer Anirudh Ravichander, along with lyricist Viveka, director Lingusamy, singer Shwetha Mohan and choreographer Sandy.

The Tamil Isai Sangam in Chennai was named best cultural organisation, while the MR Muthusamy Memorial Drama Troupe from Madurai was recognised as best theatre group. Both honours carry a cash prize of 100,000 rupees and a shield.

Each Kalaimamani recipient will receive a three-sovereign gold medal and certificate, while national-level awardees will be given 100,000 rupees and a gold medal.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is scheduled to present the awards at a ceremony in October at the Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, the state’s Department of Art and Culture said.