On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan and legendary music composer AR Rahman were bestowed with the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the Indian arts. The award ceremony was held at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Natyagriha in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on the memorial day of theatre-music veteran Deenanath Mangeshkar, the father of the Mangeshkar siblings.
Amitabh Bachchan received the award from singer Usha Mangeshkar, while AR Rahman’s award was presented by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the renowned music director and composer. Asha Bhosle, who was initially scheduled to present Bachchan’s award, was unable to attend due to health reasons.
In his acceptance speech, Amitabh Bachchan expressed his gratitude for receiving the honour, stating that he never considered himself worthy of such an accolade. He recalled his father’s admiration for Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, comparing its sweetness to honey, and emphasizing the power of her music to connect souls with the divine.
AR Rahman took to Instagram to share a photo of himself holding the award and express his honour at receiving it. He acknowledged the legacy of the Mangeshkar family and their dedication to艺术.
The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar was instituted by the Mangeshkar family and the trust in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away on February 6, 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first recipient of the award, while Lata Mangeshkar’s sister Asha Bhosle received it in 2023.
Other notable recipients of honours at the event included actors Randeep Hooda, Ashok Saraf, playback singer Roopkumar Rathod, and actor Padmini Kolhapure, recognizing their contributions to various fields of the arts.
