Amitabh Bachchan was bestowed with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai on Wednesday, expressing his profound gratitude for receiving the accolade in remembrance of the vocalist whose resonant voice established a spiritual connection with listeners.

The award, established by the family and trust in memory of the renowned melody queen, eldest among the five Mangeshkar siblings, was instituted following her demise in 2022 due to multiple organ complications.

Bachchan was presented with the honor on April 24, the commemoration day of Deenanath Mangeshkar, the esteemed theatre-music pioneer and father of the Mangeshkar siblings.

The venerable 81-year-old star, with a career spanning over five decades in cinema, renowned for his roles in iconic films such as “Zanjeer,” “Deewar,” “Chupke Chupke,” “Mohabbatein,” and “Piku,” humbly acknowledged the award.

“I consider myself fortunate to be the recipient of this esteemed award today. I never truly believed I merited such recognition, but Hridyanath (Mangeshkar) ji made sincere efforts to facilitate my presence here. He extended an invitation to this ceremony last year,” Bachchan expressed in his acceptance speech for the award.

Addressing Hridaynath ji, he expressed regret for the previous year, “Hridaynath ji, I apologize for my absence last time. I had informed you of my ill health. Although I was in good health, I chose not to attend. However, this year I had no valid excuse, hence my presence here today.”

The actor shared a personal anecdote about his father, the celebrated Hindi poet Harivansh, who likened Lata Mangeshkar’s voice to “shehad ki dhaar” (a stream of honey). “The mellifluous quality of her voice resembled honey, flowing seamlessly like the unbroken stream of honey. Just as the flow of honey remains uninterrupted, so does her ‘swar’ (melody). Whenever one strikes the perfect note, our souls resonate with the ‘parmatma’ (the divine power). Lata Mangeshkar ji’s ‘swar’ connects us directly to the divine,” Bachchan elaborated.

The award was presented to Bachchan by singer Usha Mangeshkar, the third eldest among the Mangeshkar siblings. Originally, veteran singer Asha Bhosle, the second sibling, was scheduled to present the awards but was unable to attend due to health reasons.

Known as the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award, it is an annual recognition given to individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions to the nation, its people, and society. The inaugural recipient of this honor was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by Asha Bhosle in 2023.

The event was presided over by music composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the youngest among the Mangeshkar siblings. A R Rahman, the acclaimed musician who has collaborated with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle on numerous occasions, was honored with the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for his contributions to Indian music.

Expressing his gratitude, Rahman said, “This is an incredible honor and deeply inspiring. When my father (composer R K Shekhar) worked in the southern film industry, he would wake up every day facing Lata Mangeshkar ji’s portrait. As I transitioned to becoming a composer from the south, the immense love and support from all of you have transformed my life. I often tell my family and children to look at the dedication of the Mangeshkar family. Today, we celebrate their unwavering commitment. I am a perpetual student, learning from each of you,” the 57-year-old maestro remarked.

The Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was also presented to the non-profit organization Deepstambh Foundation Manobal for their commendable service in the field of social welfare. Additionally, Ashtavinayak Prakashit’s “Galib,” produced by Malhar and Vajreshwari, was acknowledged as the best drama of the year.

Marathi writer Manjiri Phadke was honored with the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award (Vagvilasini Puraskar) for her contributions to literature, while actor Randeep Hooda received the Vishesh Puraskar for outstanding film production and acting.

Expressing his gratitude for the award for “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” Hooda said, “This award holds special significance for me. Mr. Savarkar was not just a national icon but also shared a close bond with the Mangeshkar family… I am deeply thankful for this validation; it is a great honor.”

Actor Ashok Saraf was acknowledged for his remarkable contributions to cinema and theatre, while actor Padmini Kolhapure received the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for her contributions to the world of cinema.

Kolhapure, the niece of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle, expressed her gratitude to her family for their unwavering support. “My journey in the film industry began because of Asha Bhosle, who introduced me. Ten years ago, my father, Pandharinath Kolhapure, also received the Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. This award holds immense significance for me; it is a tribute from my family, and I accept it with heartfelt gratitude,” said the actor, renowned for her roles in films such as “Prem Rog,” “Woh Saat Din,” and “Chimani Pakhar.”

The honorees also included singer Roopkumar Rathod for his contributions to music, Bhau Torsekar for his editorial services, and Atul Parchure for his contributions to theatre and drama.