"Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar highest honour" awarded to Kumar Mangalam Birla, while Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar awards for Shraddha Kapoor, Sunil Shetty, Sonali Kulkarni by Chaitanya Padukone

This esteemed felicitation was at the  83rd Memorial Day of the legendary Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, which was observed with grace, gratitude, and grandeur at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha in Vile Parle in Mumbai, on April 24 evening. Organised by Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan — a public charitable trust tenderly nurtured by the Mangeshkar family for over 35 years — this annual homage brought together the finest voices, minds, and hearts in the celebration of legacy and excellence.

Instituted in memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar in 2022, this prestigious "highest honour" award had previously been presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asha Bhosale, and Amitabh Bachchan. This year, the legacy continued as Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar presided over the function, and the honours were presented by social crusader and Hon’ble Guruji RSS -Chief Shri Mohan Bhagwat.  

The glittering grand evening was attended by several eminent personalities, including Asha Bhosale, Meena Khadikar Mangeshkar, Ashish Shelar, Bharti Mangeshkar, Rajashree Birla, Aadinath Mangeshkar, Spruha Joshi, Roopkumar Rathod, Sunali Rathod, and Avinash Prabhavalkar, among others.

The Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskars this year celebrated a diverse constellation of remarkable individuals. Sunil Shetty and Shraddha Kapoor were felicitated for their impactful contribution to Indian cinema, bringing both commercial success and heartfelt storytelling to the screen. Sonali Kulkarni was honoured for her distinguished body of work that seamlessly bridged the worlds of theatre and film, reflecting emotional depth and cultural richness. Reewa Rathod, a name steadily rising in the realm of Indian music, was recognised for her melodious excellence and promise.

The evening also shone a spotlight on cinematic stalwart Sachin Pilgaonkar, whose decades-long journey as an actor, director, and icon continued to resonate across generations. Theatre and film veteran Sharad Ponkshe was recognised for his powerful stagecraft and compelling portrayals. The world of Indian classical music saw two iconic women saluted— the legendary violinist Padma Bhushan Dr. N. Rajam, whose bowed notes carried the soul of India across continents, and Mrs. N Rajam, whose lifelong dedication to nurturing and preserving the purity of classical music inspired generations of students and connoisseurs alike.

In literature, the Vagvilasini Puraskar was awarded to Shreepalji Sabnis for his eloquent and enduring literary contributions. Social commitment also found its due recognition, as Aarambh Society for Autism and Slow Learner Children was honoured for their tireless work in supporting and empowering differently-abled children with compassion and courage. And completing the bouquet of excellence, the drama “Asen Mi Nasen Mi” by Scriptis Creation and Rangai Production was awarded Best Drama of the Year for its compelling narrative, emotional resonance, and theatrical brilliance.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar shared, “Each year, we honour individuals who embody the spirit of dedication, excellence, and service that Master Deenanathji lived by. This celebration is not just a tribute to the past but a torch passed on to the present and future.”

The evening culminated in a soul-stirring musical tribute titled “Sara Kahi Abhijat,” conceptualised and presented by Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Featuring emotive performances by Vibhavari Apte-Joshi, Madhura Datar, and others, interwoven with literary reflections by Vidyavachaspati Shankarrao Abhyankar, the tribute promised to leave the audience immersed in melody, memory, and meaning.

Jointly organized by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan and Hridayesh Arts, the event stood as a testament to timeless values — an evening where art met acknowledgement, and homage became harmony.

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