In a laudable moment for the film fraternity, Bollywood luminary Amitabh Bachchan is set to receive the esteemed third Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar award, as per the announcements made by the Mangeshkar family on Tuesday. This accolade shines a spotlight on Bachchan’s exceptional commitment to the nation, serving as a testament to his contributions that have touched the lives of many across society.
In the past, the award has been bestowed upon highly distinguished individuals, namely Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has shaped the nation’s politics and governance, and the venerable singer Asha Bhosale, known for her melodious voice and rich musical legacy.
The Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar award was instituted by the Deenanath Mangeshkar Smriti Pratishthan on February 6, 2022, as a tribute to the late Bharat Ratna awardee and illustrious songstress Lata Mangeshkar. Since its inception, it has recognized several luminaries from various professional spheres for their stellar contributions.
This year’s Pratishthan has decided to honor a selection of virtuosos with the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar award. Among the recipients are music maestro AR Rahman and Marathi cinema’s veteran actor Ashok Saraf for their impact on music; the celebrated Padmini Kolhapure for her work in films; the soul-stirring singer Roopkumar Rathod for his role in Indian music; Atul Parchure for his excellence in Marathi theatre; and retired teacher and author Manjiri Phadke for her substantial contributions to the field of literature. In addition, Randeep Hooda – an accomplished actor, producer, and director – is set to be honored with a special award for his significant contributions to cinema.
Furthermore, the Marathi play ‘Galib’, acclaimed for its theatrical excellence, will be presented with the Mohan Wagh Award for the best drama production. Meanwhile, the altruistic efforts of the Deepstambh Foundation’s Manobal project have not gone overlooked, earning commendation for its unparalleled social service. The project is dedicated to providing residential training to individuals who are differently-abled, orphans, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
During the press meet where the awardees were revealed, music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar highlighted the past three decades of the awards, noting that a total of 212 eminent personalities from a myriad of fields have been recognized for their exceptional legacies. Alongside Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the announcement was graced by the presence of singer Usha Mangeshkar, Hridaynath’s son Aadinath Mangeshkar, and various other notable figures.
The illustrious award ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 24 at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha in Vile Parle, where the finest in the spheres of Hindi cinema and wider Indian cinema will congregate to honor the achievements of their peers.
Amitabh Bachchan’s career spans several decades and is marked by a repertoire of performances that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, earning him the moniker ‘The Shahenshah of Bollywood’. His impassioned dedication to his craft and to the betterment of society has not only endeared him to millions of fans worldwide but has also made him a respected figure beyond the entertainment industry. This prestigious recognition is a tribute to the enduring legacy of an actor who has become synonymous with the rich cultural tapestry of India.
As the industry looks forward to this grand celebration, the upcoming award ceremony reaffirms the importance of recognizing and upholding the values of artistic excellence, social responsibility, and national pride — values that are epitomized by the award’s distinguished honoree, Amitabh Bachchan.
