Amitabh Bachchan Honored with Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar: A Tribute to a Musical Legacy

On Wednesday, Amitabh Bachchan received the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar, an honor bestowed upon him in remembrance of the singer whose voice transported listeners to a realm beyond the material world. The megastar expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

The eldest of the five Mangeshkar siblings, the melody queen, passed away in 2022 from multiple organ failure. The family and the trust established the prize in her honor.

On April 24, the day of Deenanath Mangeshkar's memorial, Bachchan was recognized. Deenanath Mangeshkar was a veteran of theater and music and the father of the Mangeshkar siblings.

The 81-year-old actor, who has starred in over 50 films over the course of his career and is best known for roles in "Zanjeer," "Deewar," "Chupke Chupke," "Mohabbatein," and "Piku," expressed gratitude for the honor.

It's a blessing for me to get this honor today. I never thought I was deserving of an honor like this, but Hridyanath (Mangeshkar) ji made a lot of effort to get me here. He even sent me an invitation to this year's event.

"Hridaynath ji, I'm sorry for the final time, I promise. That's when I informed you I was sick. Despite my good health, I was reluctant to come here. In his acceptance speech for the prize, Bachchan stated, "This year I had no excuse, so I had to come here." The actor claimed that Lata Mangeshkar's voice was once compared to "shehad ki dhaar" (a stream of honey) by his father, the renowned Hindi poet Harivansh.

"Her voice had a honey-like tenderness, and just as honey never stops flowing, neither does her'swar' (chord). Our souls come into contact with "parmatma," or the greater force, whenever someone strikes the correct note. Bachchan remarked, "And Lata Mangeshkar ji's'swar' joins us with God." Bachchan received the prize from singer Usha Mangeshkar, the third oldest Mangeshkar sibling. The second Mangeshkar sibling, famous vocalist Asha Bhosle, was originally scheduled to present the prizes, but she canceled the ceremony due to illness.

The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar is an annual award awarded to a person who has made a significant contribution to the country, its people, and society. The first laureate was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was followed in 2023 by Asha Bhosle.

The youngest Mangeshkar sibling, music composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar, presided over the event. Master musician A R Rahman was presented with the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for his contribution to Indian music at the ceremony.

The multi-award-winning musician Rahman claimed to have a longstanding relationship with the Mangeshkar family. Rahman has worked on several songs with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle throughout the years.

"What an honor it is. This is really motivating. My father, composer R K Shekhar, used to wake up in front of a picture of Lata Mangeshkar ji while he was employed in the southern film business.

"The immense affection I received from you all transformed my life when I started working as a Southern composer. I always remind my family and children the same thing: "Look at the Mangeshkar family, their dedication." We ought to honor the family's commitment today. 57-year-old "I am a student, I learn from all of you," she declared. The non-profit organization Deepstambh Foundation Manobal received the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for their social service-related contributions, while Ashtavinayak Prakashit's "Galib," which was produced by Malhar and Vajreshwari, was named the year's greatest drama.

The Vishesh Puraskar for best film production and actor went to actor Randeep Hooda, while the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar (Vagvilasini Puraskar) went to Marathi writer Manjiri Phadke for her literary contributions.

Hooda declared that the "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar" trophy was a unique honor for him.

In addition to being a well-known national personality, Mr. Savarkar was good friends with the Mangeshkar family. It's an honor for me, and I'm thankful for this affirmation," he continued.

Actor Padmini Kolhapure received the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for film, while actor Ashok Saraf was acknowledged for his contributions to play and cinema.

Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle's niece Kolhapure expressed gratitude to her family for their love and support.

"I owe all I am today to Asha Bhosle, who introduced me to the world of movies. The Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was also granted to my father, Pandharinath Kolhapure, ten years ago. Thus, this prize holds great significance for me. "I accept this award with gratitude as it comes from my family," the actor, who has acted in movies like "Prem Rog," "Woh Saat Din," and "Chimani Pakhar," stated.

The winners also included Atul Parchure for contributions to theater and drama, Bhau Torsekar for editorial services, and vocalist Roopkumar Rathod for his contribution to the world of music.