Legendary singer Asha Bhosle to be honoured with "Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar"

• Image Credit: Google

• Apr 21, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Mangeshkar family announced on Tuesday that legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be felicitated...

Digital Desk: The Mangeshkar family announced on Tuesday that legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be felicitated with the "Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar". The award was instituted by the family and the trust in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who died on February 6, 2022, as a result of multiple organ failures. The award will be given to Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar's younger sister, on April 24, the memorial day of their father and theatre-music great Deenanath Mangeshkar.

This award, known as the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar, is given each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the nation, its people, and society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first recipient.

According to a press release issued by the Mangeshkar family, veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas will receive the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for contribution to Indian music; Gauri Theatres of Prashant Damle fan foundation for Best Drama of the Year (''Niyam Va Ati Lagu''); Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust for yeoman Social Service;  Granthali Prakashan with the Vagvilasini Puraskar for contribution to literature; actor-director Prasad Oak with the Vishesh Puraskar for contribution to cinema and drama; and actor Vidya Balan with the Vishesh Puraskar for contribution to cinema. 

The other two younger siblings of Lata Mangeshkar, music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar, and singer Usha Mangeshkar, stated that their objective is to honour people from various fields like music, drama, art, medicine, and social work. ''In remembrance of Master Deenanathji, whose huge contribution as a singer, musician, and stage artiste have been an inspiration to the people of Maharashtra and India, the Mangeshkar family hosts the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards to honour legends. We are grateful for the public's affection and support," they said in a statement.

Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar will preside over the function, to be held at Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai. 

The award function will begin at 6 p.m., followed by an interval from 7.45 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then the musical and dance programme from 8 p.m. onwards. The vocal music programme will be performed by singers Hariharan and Rahul Deshpande. 

Moreover, a Kathak programme will be performed by renowned Assamese actress Meghranjani Medhi and Vidushi Marami Medhi, as well as Pt. Joyprakash Medhi (vocal), Pandit Pranshu Chaturlal (tabla), and Neil Das. Notably, it is the first time that Assamese artists will perform at the Mangeshkar Awards. 

The 81st Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Punyatithi (memorial day) is being organized by Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Prathishthan and Hridayesh Arts.