Insurance blanket for Indian artistes

After Michael Jackson got his voice insured and Jennifer Lopez made sure that her derriere was covered for a proper sum, it is the turn of Indian artistes to get their share of artistic insurance.

Indian classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal has taken an initiative on behalf of the performing artistes’ community to insure themselves against a possible calamity or illness that could throw their professional lives out of gear.

“For artistes like us, whose professional lives are totally dependent on natural talents, any problem affecting our health can be fatal. I am looking for an option that gives me security in case of any mishap,” said Mudgal. The classical maestro has teamed up with an insurance company to provide insurance covers that are tailor-made as per requirements.

Mudgal and her husband Anish Pradhan, a tabla player has insured their voice and tabla respectively as test cases.

“It is important to understand that this is not just a medical insurance. This is a temporary as well as a permanent disability cover. It may not be directly related to my voice, but if my illness prevents me from performing, the insurance will take care of the situation,” Mudgal added.

The insurance is also aimed at covering handmade instruments such as the tanpura and sitar.

“Till now, there was insurance available for only musical instruments purchased from certain brands. But what we are trying to achieve is a security for all musicians who use instruments that are custom-made for them,” she said.