Asha Bhosle And Vidya Balan Receive Honours At Mangeshkar Family Awards

Asha Bhosle and Vidya Balan were honored at the Mangeshkar family awards. The event was both joyful and a time to remember the late Lata Mangeshkar. Bhosle received the second Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar. Meanwhile, Balan was awarded the Vishesh Puraskar for her contributions to cinema.

Bhosle, 89, expressed her wish for Lata to be present. She performed her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar's composition, Mogara Phulala. It is a Marathi song she sang with Lata. The Mangeshkar family trust established the award in Lata's memory after her passing on February 6, 2022. Balan, known for films like The Dirty Picture and Kahaani, felt blessed to receive the award wearing a sari gifted by Lata. Balan recalled her awe of Lata at an event and later calling her. Lata sent her a sari, which she always wanted to wear and show her. Wearing the sari while receiving the award, Balan said, "It is indeed a blessing for me and as I speak, I am shaking." The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar is awarded annually to someone who has made a significant impact on the nation, its people, and society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first recipient. Other awardees included ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, Gauri Theaters of Prashant Damle fan foundation, Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust, Granthali Prakashan, and actor-director Prasad Oak. April 24 commemorates Deenanath Mangeshkar, the Mangeshkar siblings' father, and a theatre and music veteran.