Kumar Mangalam Birla to receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award as Shraddha Kapoor, Dr. N. Rajam, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sonali Kulkarni and others are honoured on 83rd Memorial Day
The 83rd Memorial Day of the legendary Master Deenanath Mangeshkar will be observed with grace, gratitude, and grandeur at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha in Vile Parle (E), Mumbai. Organised by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan — a public charitable trust tenderly nurtured by the Mangeshkar family for over 35 years — this annual homage brings together the finest voices, minds, and hearts in the celebration of legacy and excellence.
The highest honour of the evening, the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar, will be conferred upon Padma Vibhushan Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, for his visionary leadership and immense contribution to India’s growth story. Instituted in memory of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar in 2022, this prestigious award has previously been presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asha Bhosale, and Amitabh Bachchan. This year, the legacy continues as Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar presides over the function, and the honours are presented by Hon’ble Guruji Shri Mohan Bhagwat.
The Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskars this year celebrate a diverse constellation of remarkable individuals. Shraddha Kapoor will be felicitated for her impactful contribution to Indian cinema, bringing both commercial success and heartfelt storytelling to the screen. Sonali Kulkarni will be honoured for her distinguished body of work that seamlessly bridges the worlds of theatre and film, reflecting emotional depth and cultural richness. Reewa Rathod, a name steadily rising in the realm of Indian music, will be recognised for her melodious excellence and promise.
The evening also shines a spotlight on cinematic stalwart Sachin Pilgaonkar, whose decades-long journey as an actor, director, and icon continues to resonate across generations. Theatre and film veteran Sharad Ponkshe will be recognised for his powerful stagecraft and compelling portrayals. The world of Indian classical music will see two iconic women saluted — the legendary violinist Padma Bhushan Dr. N. Rajam, whose bowed notes carry the soul of India across continents, and Mrs. N Rajam, whose lifelong dedication to nurturing and preserving the purity of classical music has inspired generations of students and connoisseurs alike.
In literature, the Vagvilasini Puraskar will be awarded to Shreepalji Sabnis for his eloquent and enduring literary contributions. Social commitment will also find its due recognition, as Aarambh Society for Autism and Slow Learner Children is honoured for their tireless work in supporting and empowering differently-abled children with compassion and courage. And completing the bouquet of excellence, the drama “Asen Mi Nasen Mi” by Scriptis Creation and Rangai Production will be awarded Best Drama of the Year for its compelling narrative, emotional resonance, and theatrical brilliance.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar shared, “Each year, we honour individuals who embody the spirit of dedication, excellence, and service that Master Deenanathji lived by. This celebration is not just a tribute to the past but a torch passed on to the present and future.”
The evening will culminate in a soul-stirring musical tribute titled “Sara Kahi Abhijat,” conceptualised and presented by Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Featuring emotive performances by Vibhavari Apte-Joshi, Madhura Datar, and others, interwoven with literary reflections by Vidyavachaspati Shankarrao Abhyankar, the tribute promises to leave the audience immersed in melody, memory, and meaning.
Jointly organised by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan and Hridayesh Arts, the event stands as a testament to timeless values — an evening where art meets acknowledgement, and homage becomes harmony.
