New Delhi: The Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was given to Vidya Balan in recognition of her work as an actor in the film industry. Vidya became tearful as she accepted the honour as she thought of the late singer Lata Mangeshkar, the Nightingale of India.
In addition to expressing her admiration and thanks for the iconic diva, Vidya revealed that the saree she wore for the awards ceremony on Monday was a gift from Lata Mangeshkar.
Vidya shared, “As a new actress I was watching Lata Mangeshkar with awe, at an event. Later, I mustered the courage to actually call her. I heard her divine voice on the phone, she sent me a saree home and it was a boon to me. I always wanted to wear this saree and show her one day, but today was meant to be. And here I am wearing this saree, and receiving the prestigious Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. It is indeed a blessing for me and as I speak, I am shaking. Thank you so much for this honour bestowed upon me.”
She also said, “I have had the good fortune of receiving many awards in my career and I always thought of them as an appreciation for my work, today this award feels like an honour.”
Pankaj Udhas, a Gazal singer, received the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar alongside Vidya Balan and Asha Bhosle for their contributions to Indian music.
