NEW DELHI: Various eminent personalities have been honoured for their outstanding contribution in the field of cinema, music, theatre, literature and social work as part of the 25th year of Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards.

The awards were given away in Mumbai by Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar who personally felicitated social worker Anna Hazare, table maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, versatile acting genius Rishi Kapoor, actor Shivaji Satam, classical music exponent Pandit Pandrinath Kohlapure and others. All the awardees were conferred with a memento and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh each.

Lata said, "We are commemorating my father Master Deenanath Mangeshkar's death anniversary as ‘Smriti Din' on 24th of April consecutively for the last 72 years wherein Master Deenanath Mangeshkar awards has been given for the last 25 years on the same day. These awards are given to eminent people in the field of cinema, music, theatre, literature, and social work. I am so indebted to all the people for their outstanding response to these awards".

She then fondly remembered, "Chintu (Rishi Kapoor) has played in my arms when he was just two years and I have been very fond of him since then. He is one of my favourite actors and I have seen all his films till date, I like his acting and dancing both. I am so happy today he is here to receive this award." She then added, "I have also seen Zakir Bhai when he was very small when he used to accompany his father Ustad Allah Rakha, who in turn was very fond of me and used to treat me like a daughter. I remember recording six songs in a day for him for a film for which he gave music. Today I am so happy that Zakir Bhai has grown as a prominent artiste and is making us proud all over the world." She concluded, "I am so much touched with the love and affection shown by you all because of whom I am - Lata Mangeshkar."

While receiving the award Rishi Kapoor said, "I am born in Maharashtra and I am Punjabi by caste but neither to converse in Punjabi or Marathi. I choose to speak in our national language - Hindi." He then said, "I know Lata Ma since I was very small as a child and since then she has been always very affectionate to me. I am honored to receive this prestigious award through her hands today. In a way mission of my life is accomplished." He then mentioned, "Even when I was a child and used to get beaten by my mother for my mischiefs, I used to go in front of the mirror and cry so then I can see how I look while crying, thus I am a born actor."

Ustad Zakir Hussain said, "I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award through hands of Lata Ji who is a mother figure for me, it's surely one of the most memorable days of my life."