This Article is From Apr 15, 2011

Mangeshkar award for vocalist Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Dharmendra

Highlights

  • Bollywood veteran Dharmendra and noted classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan are the recipients of this year's Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Awards.
  • The names were announced by melody queen Lata Mangeshkar at a press conference at her residence this evening.
  • The awards carry a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a citation. The distribution function will be held in Thane on April 24, the 69th death anniversary of her father, Master Dinanath.
  • Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan is being honoured with `Master Dinanath award' and Dharmendra with `Master Dinanath Mangeshkar' special award.
  • This year a new award for contribution to the theatre has been instituted in the memory of Mohan Wagh and first recipient would be Sudhir Bhat of Suyog production group, for the play Wa guru.
Mumbai: Bollywood veteran Dharmendra and noted classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan are the recipients of this year's Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Awards.

The names were announced by melody queen Lata Mangeshkarat a press conference at her residence this evening.

The awards carry a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and acitation. The distribution function will be held in Thane onApril 24, the 69th death anniversary of her father, MasterDinanath.

Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan is being honoured with`Master Dinanath award' and Dharmendra with `Master DinanathMangeshkar' special award.

This year a new award for contribution to the theatre hasbeen instituted in the memory of Mohan Wagh and firstrecipient would be Sudhir Bhat of Suyog production group,for the play Wa guru.

Noted poet Pravin Davne will get the Saraswati award,given in the memory of poetess Shanta Shelke. Noted actorPrasad Savkar has been chosen for Master Dinanath Specialaward for his contribution to the field of theatre. MaheshElkunchwar has been selected for the Wagvilasini award for hiscontribution in the field of literature. Nitin Veerkhare hasbeen selected for his contribution in social work.

The awards were instituted in 1986 by Dinanath Mangeshkarmemorial trust which is also instrumental in providingfinancial assistance to poor and needy artistes.

"Commercialisation of awards is not good. We honourour father's memory by helping needy artistes," melody queen Lata Mangeshkar said.

The legendary singer said her father passed away in 1942and within two three months, she started working to supportthe family. "It has been 69 years that I am working. I havelearnt to keep goodness and honesty in work."

To a question whether the trust plans to honour childartistes, she said if children started getting awards, theirgrowth as artistes would be hampered. "I would like themto grow up and work hard and then get honoured," she added.

When asked whether Sachin Tendulkar should get BharatRatna, Lata, herself a recipient of the highest civilianaward, and an avowed fan of the batting maestro, said, "It isbest to leave issues in the purview of the government to thegovernment only."

April 24 also happens to be Tendulkar's birthday, butwhen asked if she planned to honour him during the function,Lata said she would not like to mix two separate events.

When asked about Anna Hazare, she said she was happythat his agitation was a success.

Replying to a question if the Dinanath Memorial trustwould venture into filmmaking, Lata said she tried her hand atfilmmaking with Lekin. "The film's print was stolen. It didnot do well at the box office. (Then) We decided to give upthe idea of making movies."

Lata said Mumbai was a golden city in the 1940s and1950s. "Now the city has undergone changes which are bad.Earlier, there was peace and no fear. There was inspirationand excitement to work. I used to travel from Grant Road toMalad by train and even at night. I don't think today womenwill be able to travel without fear at night."

To a question why she did not sing for films anymore,Lata said nowadays only item numbers worked. "Even goodsingers are out of work. I decided not to do films becausethere are no good songs."
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