Mumbai, July 2: The Maharashtra Government will institute the ‘Swar Samragyi Asha Bhosle Music Lifetime Achievement Award’ to honour veteran and distinguished artists for their lifelong contribution to the field of music, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar announced in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Making the announcement through a statement in the House, Shelar said Maharashtra has a rich cultural heritage in music, theatre, literature, cinema, folk arts and other creative fields. The contributions of the state’s renowned artists have played a significant role in shaping Indian music and have brought Maharashtra’s cultural legacy to national and international prominence.
Describing legendary singer Asha Bhosle as an iconic and extraordinary personality in Indian music, the minister said she has made an unparalleled contribution over more than eight decades by singing in several Indian languages. Her work has enriched Marathi music through children’s songs, devotional and emotional songs, film music, ghazals, lavanis and folk music, while earning global recognition for Indian music.
The annual award will honour artists who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of singing and music. It will carry a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, along with a shawl and a memento.
A committee comprising experts from the music fraternity will be constituted to frame the eligibility criteria and select the award recipients.
The award will be presented every year on or around September 8, marking the birth anniversary of Asha Bhosle.
