Subhash Ghai presented the award to A R Rahman.
Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman was honoured with the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award here on October 26.
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai presented the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award to Rahman on the 78th birthday of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, renowned composer and younger brother of legendary playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.(Also Read:
A R Rahman to Receive Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award)
"The music of Hridaynath
ji is an inspiration," said Rahman.
Mr Ghai, who has worked with the 48-year old musician in
Taal, said that Rahman is not only a celebrity, but he also has a beautiful soul.
"He didn't know Hindi or Punjabi but worked for 70 nights on the music of
Taal and proved that he is the best musician. He is not only a big celebrity. He also has a beautiful soul," said Mr Ghai.
Hridaynath Mangeshkar said that Rahman has made the country proud with his outstanding contribution to music.
Grammy Award-winning Hindustani classical musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Ricky Kej were also present at the event.
The first Hridaynath Award was presented to Lata
ji. Asha
ji, Amitabh Bachchan and veteran actress Sulochana have also received this award in the past.
In 2009, Rahman won the Oscar for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, sharing it with lyricist Gulzar, for Danny Boyle's
Slumdog Millionaire.
The composer has also won four National Awards in a career spanning over two decades.
Recently, Rahman composed music for Imtiaz Ali's
Tamasha which features Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.