Veteran singer Asha Bhosle honored with ‘Maharashtra Bhushan-2021’
Mumbai (IANS) | Veteran singer Asha Bhosle of the eminent Mangeshkar clan was on Friday evening honored with the prestigious ‘Maharashtra Bhushan – 2021’ award at a glittering ceremony near the Gateway of India. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar among other dignitaries were present and lauded the singing career of 89-year-old Asha Bhosle.
Shinde said, Asha-Tai is the ‘pride of Maharashtra’… The Mangeshkar family has been ruling the hearts of fans for more than eight decades and have served the arts through their singing and music.
Instituted by the former Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party regime (1995–1999), the award carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a shawl, a memento and a certificate. A documentary on Bhonsle’s life was screened at the event which enthralled the audience.
Shinde said that in his long music career, Bhosle had easily sung thousands of songs in different languages ranging from devotional to disco.
Shinde said, the songs sung by him are fresh even today and will continue to delight us in future as well.. The glory of ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ has increased, thanks to him.
He said that though he faced many hardships in his life, he made others happy with his songs and inspired us all.
Fadnavis termed Bhosale’s 80-year-long musical journey (he started singing from 1943) as ‘amazing’, his versatility, his ability to make people happy through his songs.
Responding to the accolades, Bhonsle said that his father, the late Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, along with the late Lata Mangeshkar (also honored with the same award in 1997) were among those who blessed him throughout his music career.
Singing has greatly enriched my life but the contribution of musicians and co-singers in my musical journey cannot be forgotten… I urge you to listen to all kinds of music and songs, Bhonsle folded hands.
Other prominent persons included Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Mumbai Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Chief Secretary M.K. Srivastava, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Vikas Kharge and invitees.
–IANS
