The Mangeshkar family on Monday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be honoured with the inaugural Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award on April 24, which marks the 80th death anniversary of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, the father of Lata Mangeshkar.
In a statement, the family and the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan charitable trust said they have decided to institute the award from this year in the honour and memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away in February following multiple organ failure.
“We are pleased and honoured to announce that the first awardee is none other than the honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi,” the statement read.
PM Modi had flown down to Mumbai to pay last respects to the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.
Veteran actors Asha Parekh and Jackie Shroff will receive the Master Deenanath Puraskar (special honour) for their “dedicated services in the field of cinema”, the Mangeshkar family further said in the statement.
The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar will be given every year to only one individual for his or her exemplary contributions to the nation, its people and society. The award focuses to honour legends from the field of music, drama, art, medical and social work.
“In memory of Master Deenanathji, whose monumental contributions as singer, musician and stage artiste have been an inspiration to the people of Maharashtra and India, the Mangeshkar family organises the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards to honour legends. We are glad that we have the love and support of the masses,” veteran musicians Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Usha Mangeshkar said in a joint statement.
“The award ceremony will also host a music programme “Swarlatanjali”, conducted by renowned singer Roopkumar Rathod, which will be a tribute to the “immortal melodies and memories of our beloved Lata didi”, the statement further said.