New Delhi: Vidya Balan was honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for her contribution to cinema as an actor. Vidya accepted the award wearing a saree gifted by the late singer Lata Mangeshkar and shared a memory with the Nightingale of India.
Vidya Balan said, “A few years ago, I had the privilege of sitting right behind Lataji at a film awards ceremony, and I couldn’t help but stare at her in amazement through the evening. I believe someone later told her about it, and a week later, she sent this saree to me that I am wearing today. I called her to thank her. I had the privilege of hearing her melodious voice on the phone, I thanked her from the bottom of my heart and said to her that 'I will meet you wearing this saree,' but unfortunately, that didn’t happen…Maybe that is why I was chosen to come here today and share the experience of her blessing me”.
Saying this, Vidya stepped out from behind the podium so everyone present could have a good look at the gorgeous saree.
Vidya then said, “I have had the good fortune of receiving many awards in my career, and I always thought of them as a form of appreciation for my work, today, this award feels like an honour”.
Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle was- also honoured with the award.
“This is my most prestigious award, but I wish Lata Didi were here in person,” Bhosle, 89, said in a statement.
Bhosle, the third of the five Mangeshkar siblings, also performed her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar's composition "Mogara Phulala", the Marathi song she sang with Lata Mangeshkar.
The family and the Mangeshkar family trust instituted the award in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who died on February 6, 2022, following multiple organ failure.
The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar is given every year to an individual who has made a path-breaking contribution towards the nation, its people, and society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was its first recipient.
Others who received the award at the event include veteran ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas for his contribution to Indian music, Gauri Theaters 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, and actor-director Prasad Oak with the Vishesh Puraskar for contribution to cinema and drama.
(With inputs from PTI)