Pune: Celebrated playback singer Sanjeevani Bhelande has been announced as the recipient of the coveted "Didi Award" this year, presented by the Dinanath Pratishthan.
The award, named in honor of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a commemorative trophy.
The award ceremony will take place during a special program titled "Te Shri Sharda Vishwamohini Lata Didi" on September 28 at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, coinciding with Lata Mangeshkar’s 95th birth anniversary.
The event will commence at 5:30 PM, with the award being handed over to Bhelande by tabla virtuoso Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. The event will be attended by distinguished personalities from the entertainment industry, including actor Sharad Ponkshe and actress Sonali Kulkarni.
The announcement was made by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, president of the foundation and a renowned composer-singer, during a press conference.
The program promises to be a memorable evening celebrating the rich musical legacy of Lata Mangeshkar. In the first segment of the event, Sanjeevani Bhelande will perform along with Ajit Parab, Manisha Nischal, and Dr. Unmesh Karmarkar, offering a rendition of popular songs.
The second segment will feature the presentation of the Didi Award. Following this, the third part of the evening will see Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar sharing intimate memories and stories of his legendary sister, Lata Mangeshkar.
Accompanying his anecdotes, singer Vibhavari Apte-Joshi will perform some of Lata Didi’s timeless songs, bringing nostalgia to the audience. A photo exhibition displaying rare images of Lata Mangeshkar, captured by photographer Satish Paknikar, will also be available for viewing.
In addition to this annual event, the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation has announced that on February 6 each year, a memorial program will be organized in Pune to honor the memory of Lata Mangeshkar.
During this event, an eminent personality will be awarded ₹3 lakh in Lata Didi’s name. The ceremony will be managed by Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director of Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, and his team, said Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
