Shantanu Moitra Honoured with National Lata Mangeshkar Award-2026 in Indore

Music director receives prestigious Madhya Pradesh honour; Sachet–Parampara and troupe enthral audiences at musical evening

Indore, September 28, 2026 (SDNA): Renowned music director Shantanu Moitra was honoured with the National Lata Mangeshkar Alankaran Samman-2026, one of Madhya Pradesh’s prominent recognitions in the field of music and culture.

The award ceremony was held in Indore, the birthplace of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav joined the programme virtually and congratulated Moitra on receiving the honour. The award ceremony was followed by a musical evening featuring popular performers Sachet–Parampara and their troupe.

Lata Mangeshkar gave voice to every shade of life

Addressing the gathering virtually, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav recalled Lata Mangeshkar’s extraordinary contribution to Indian music and described the establishment of the award in her memory as a significant cultural tradition of Madhya Pradesh.

He said Lata Mangeshkar’s association with Indore was a matter of pride for the state and the country. According to the Chief Minister, her voice became a medium for expressing a wide range of human emotions—from devotion and patriotism to love, separation, friendship and celebration.

He also highlighted her contribution across classical, devotional, popular and folk-oriented musical traditions. Her patriotic songs, he noted, continue to evoke a strong sense of national pride, while several devotional and festival-related compositions remain deeply embedded in public memory.

Recognition of Moitra’s creative journey

Dr. Yadav congratulated Shantanu Moitra for his contribution to contemporary Indian music and acknowledged his distinctive creative journey.

The Chief Minister referred to Moitra’s popular compositions, including “Bawra Mann Dekhne Chala Ek Sapna,” which earned wide recognition among music lovers. He also mentioned Moitra’s renditions of the Shiv Tandav Stotram and Ram-Siya bhajan.

The Chief Minister said that recognising accomplished artists is part of Madhya Pradesh’s continuing effort to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage.

Madhya Pradesh’s enduring cultural legacy

Dr. Yadav also spoke about Madhya Pradesh’s long association with literature, music and the performing arts. From the legacy of Mahakavi Kalidasa to contemporary writers, musicians, artists and filmmakers, he said, the state has continued to contribute significantly to India’s cultural landscape.

Moitra recalls his association with Lata Mangeshkar

Accepting the award, Shantanu Moitra expressed his gratitude to the Madhya Pradesh government and described the occasion as deeply emotional and significant.

Receiving an honour named after Lata Mangeshkar in Indore, her birthplace, carried special meaning for him, he said.

Moitra also recalled his experience of working with Lata Mangeshkar in a recording studio. He remembered her extraordinary professionalism and preparation, saying that even for a song consisting of only a few lines, she approached the work with complete seriousness and dedication.

For Moitra, one of the most important lessons from Lata Mangeshkar was the importance of honesty, discipline and excellence in one’s work. He added that while composing a song even today, he sometimes wonders how Lata Mangeshkar might have sung it.

Sachèt–Parampara adds musical sparkle to the evening

The cultural programme began with a welcome address by Culture Director N.P. Namdev, followed by the reading of the citation.

The award ceremony was followed by a special musical evening in which Sachet–Parampara and their troupe presented a selection of popular musical performances. The programme continued to draw enthusiastic participation from music lovers.

Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, MP Shankar Lalwani, Divisional Commissioner Bhaskar Lakshakar, Collector Shivam Verma, MLAs Ramesh Mendola, Malini Gaur, Madhu Verma and Shravan Singh Chawda, along with public representatives, dignitaries and a large gathering of music enthusiasts, attended the event.

During the programme, the guests paid floral tributes at the statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Lata Mangeshkar, remembering their contributions to Indian society and culture.

(SDNA)