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At a swank function near the Gateway of India on Friday evening, legendary singer Asha Bhosle – of the pre-eminent Mangeshkar clan – was conferred the coveted ‘Maharashtra Bhushan – 2021’ Award.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other dignitaries, including Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, were present to honor Asha Bhosle’s 80-year singing career.
“Asha-tai is the ‘pride of Maharashtra’… The Mangeshkar family has been ruling the minds of the fans for over eight decades and served the field of arts through their singing and music,” said Shinde.
The Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party regime (1995-1999) instituted the Award, which included a cash component of Rs 25 lakh, a shawl, a memento, and a certificate. The event featured the screening of a documentary about Bhosle’s life and times, which captivated the audience.
Bhosle, according to Shinde, had sung thousands of songs in various languages with ease during her long music career, ranging from devotional to disco.
“The songs sung by her remain afresh even today and would continue to regale us in future too… the glory of ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ has increased, thanks to her,” said Shinde.
He stated that despite her many trials in life, she made others happy with her songs and inspired us all.
Fadnavis described Bhosle’s 80-year musical journey (she began singing in 1943) as “stunning,” praising her versatility and ability to create different moods through her songs, which left people humming the tunes for days.
In response to accolades, Bhosle stated that her father, the late Master Dinanath Mangeshkar, her mother, and the late Lata Mangeshkar (who received the same award in 1997) were among those who bestowed their blessings on her throughout her musical career.
“Singing has enriched my life immensely but the contributions of the musicians and co-singers in my musical journey cannot be forgotten… I urge you to listen to all types of music and songs,” said Bhosle with folded hands.
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Mumbai Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Chief Secretary M.K. Srivastava, Cultural Affairs Principal Secretary Vikas Kharge, and invitees were also present.
Source:IANS
