In memory of the iconic Lata Mangeshkar—beloved across generations as India’s “Nightingale”—her family and the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan trust established the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar following her passing in 2022
Named after their father, Deenanath Mangeshkar, a celebrated theatre and music veteran, the award aims to recognize individuals whose work has made a significant, path-breaking contribution to the nation, society, and its people .
Honorees That Embody Lata Ji’s Spirit
2022 (Inaugural Recipient): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the very first award, marking the ceremony’s lofty intention and national importance .
2023: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, Lata Ji’s sister and musical peer, was the next to be honored .
2024: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and music maestro A.R. Rahman were bestowed the award during a ceremony where Usha Mangeshkar—another of Lata ji’s siblings—presented the honour. Bachchan expressed humility and gratitude, saying he felt “fortunate” to be chosen .
Why This Award Matters
- Honoring an Enduring Legacy
Lata Mangeshkar’s impact on Indian music is immeasurable—she was a cultural icon whose voice gave life to thousands of melodies. This award serves as a living legacy to her passion and dedication . - Celebrating National ContributionWhether through leadership, artistry, or social influence, recipients exemplify a commitment to national identity and progress—just like Lata ji did through her music.
- Musical Roots, Broader ReachThe ceremony and award bring together music, philanthropy, and societal impact—mirroring the values Lata ji upheld throughout her life.
Reflections on the Award’s Impact
Emotional Resonance: When PM Modi received the inaugural Puraskar, he likened Lata didi to an elder sister, underscoring her personal significance to leaders and audiences alike .
Bridging Eras and Disciplines: From political leaders to film legends and music maestros, recipients reflect the diverse ways one can contribute to “nation building,” honoring Lata ji’s spirit beyond the domain of music.
Family Values at Heart: Siblings like Usha and Asha Bhosle presenting the award add a touching familial dimension, reinforcing that it is as much a personal homage as it is a national tribute .
Closing Notes
The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar stands as a profound tribute—one that ensures Lata Mangeshkar’s legacy continues to inspire excellence across all fields. It celebrates her values of artistry, humility, and service to society.
Here’s an updated chronological list of recipients of the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar, from its inception through 2025:
Recipients by Year
| Year | Recipient(s) | Field / Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Narendra Modi | Prime Minister of India — honored for his selfless service to the nation |
| 2023 | Asha Bhosle | Legendary playback singer — recognized for her path-breaking contributions to Indian music |
| 2024 | Amitabh Bachchan and A.R. Rahman (among possibly others like Randeep Hooda in related contexts) — awarded for their impactful contributions in cinema and music | |
| 2025 | Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shraddha Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sonali Kulkarni, Dr. N. Rajam — honored for excellence across business leadership, cinema, and classical music |
Summary & Insights
- 2022: The award’s inaugural recipient was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting a precedent by highlighting contributions to national service .
- 2023: The torch passed to the realm of music, with Asha Bhosle, a living legend and Lata Mangeshkar’s sister, receiving the honor .
- 2024: Both Amitabh Bachchan and A.R. Rahman were celebrated, indicating the award’s expanding embrace of varied artistic domains .
- 2025: The Puraskar broadened further, recognizing figures from industry, cinema, and classical music—a notably diverse group including Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shraddha Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sonali Kulkarni, and Dr. N. Rajam .
