Actor Amitabh Bachchan receives the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award from veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards ceremony in Mumbai on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Also seen are actors Padmini Kolhapure and composer AR Rahman. | Photo credit: SHASHANK PARADE
Amitabh Bachchan was honored with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar on Wednesday and the megastar said he was lucky to receive the award in the memory of the singer whose voice connected listeners to a higher power.
The family and the foundation established the award in memory of the queen of melody, the eldest of the five Mangeshkar siblings, who died in 2022 as a result of multi-organ failure.
Bachchan received the honor on April 24, the memorial day of Deenanath Mangeshkar, veteran theater musician and father of the Mangeshkar siblings.
The 81-year-old star whose career spans over fifty years in films, known for, among others, Zanjeera, Deewar, Shut up, shut up, MohabbateinAND Fighe said he was cheerful to receive this award.
“I am lucky to receive this award today. I never really considered myself worthy of such an award, but Hridyanath (Mangeshkar) ji tried very strenuous to make sure I could come here. He even invited me to this ceremony last year.
“Hridaynath ji, I am sorry for the last time. I told you then that I felt bad. I was vigorous, but I didn’t want to come here. This year, I had no excuse, so I had to come here,” Bachchan said in his award acceptance speech. The actor said that his father and eminent Hindi poet Harivansh used to compare Lata Mangeshkar’s voice to “Dhara Shehada” (stream of honey).
“The sweetness in her voice was honey, and as the flow of honey never ceases, so does her ‘swar’ (chord) never break. Whenever someone strikes the right chord, our soul meets “parmatma” (higher power). And Lata Mangeshkar ‘Swara’ Ji connects us with God,” Bachchan said.
Singer Usha Mangeshkar, the third eldest Mangeshkar sister, presented the award to Bachchan. Earlier, veteran Asha Bhosle, the second of Mangeshkar’s siblings, was scheduled to distribute the trophies but she canceled the event due to unwell condition.
The award, known as the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar, is given every year to an individual who has made groundbreaking contributions to the nation, its citizens and society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first beneficiary, followed by Asha Bhosle in 2023.
The ceremony was presided over by music composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the youngest of the Mangeshkar siblings. During the event, music maestro AR Rahman was conferred the title of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for his contribution to Indian music.
Rahman, an award-winning musician who has collaborated with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle on several songs over the decades, said he has vintage connections with the Mangeshkar family.
“It’s a huge honor. This is extremely inspiring. When my father (composer RK Shekhar) was working in the south film industry, he would wake up to Lata Mangeshkar ji’s photography.
Music composer AR Rahman is honored with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award by veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards held in Mumbai on Wednesday. Actor Amitabh Bachchan also appears. | Photo source: ANI
“When I became a southern composer, the immense love I received from you changed my life. There is one thing I tell my family and children: ‘Look at the Mangeshkar family, their sacrifice.’ Today we must celebrate this family sacrifice. I’m a student, I’m learning from all of you,” said the 57-year-old.
Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar was also awarded by the non-profit organization Deepstambh Foundation Manobal for his services in the field of social services, while the Ashtavinayaka Prakashita award victoriousproduced by Malhar and Vajreshwari, was adjudged the best drama of the year.
Marathi writer Manjiri Phadke received the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar Award (Vagvilasini Puraskar) for his contribution to literature, while actor Randeep Hooda was honored with the Vishesh Puraskar Award for Best Film Production and Best Actor.
Hood, who received the trophy for Swatantrya Veer Savarkarhe said that this was a special award for him. “Mr. Savarkar was not only a national figure but also had a close relationship with the Mangeshkar family… I am grateful for this confirmation and it is an honor for me,” he added.
Actor Ashok Saraf was recognized for his contribution to cinema and drama, while actor Padmini Kolhapure was honored with the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for cinema.
Kolhapure, niece of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle, thanked her family for their love and support. “Whatever I am today is because of Asha Bhosle who introduced me to the film industry. Ten 10 years ago, my father Pandharinath Kolhapure also received the Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. So this is a very crucial award for me. This is a reward from my family and I accept it with gratitude,” said the actor, known for such films as: Prem Rog, What time of dayAND Chimani Pakhar.
The recipients also included singer Roopkumar Rathod for services to music, Bhau Torsekar for editorial services and Atul Parchure for services to theater and drama.
