Asha Bhosle, a legendary singer, received the coveted “Maharashtra Bhushan – 2021” Award on Friday night at a posh ceremony close to the Gateway of India. Asha Bhosle, 89, celebrated the completion of her 80-year singing career in front of dignitaries like Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and others.
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 government (1995–1999) established the award, which came with a monetary prize of Rs. 25 lakh, a shawl, a souvenir, and a certificate. The occasion included the screening of a biography of Bhosle, which captivated the audience.
‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ Glory Increased, Says Eknath Shinde
Shinde said that in her long music career, Bhosle had sung thousands of songs in various languages with ease, 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 said that though she faced many travails in her life, she made others happy with her songs and inspired us all. Fadnavis termed Bhosle’s 80-year-long musical journey (she started singing in 1943) as ‘stunning’, her versatility and ability to create different moods through her songs left people humming the tunes long after.
I Won’t Forget This, folded hands,” said Asha Bhosle.
Replying to accolades, Bhosle said that her father, the late Master Dinanath Mangeshkar, her mother, and the late Lata Mangeshkar (also conferred the same award in 1997) were among those whose blessings she got during her entire 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.
Other prominent persons present included 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.
