Honoured to get Bharat Ratan DR APJ Abdul Kalam Award: Anu Malik, Udit Narayan

Mumbai: The two stalwarts of music world, composer Anu Malik and singer Udit Narayan, have said they felt 'honoured' on receiving the Bharat Ratan DR APJ Abdul Kalam Award 2021.

Attending the ceremony here on Tuesday, singer and composer Anu Malik said, "I am truly honoured and humbled with this award. I been bestowed with an award named after AJP Abdul Kalam ji, this is a big thing for me because I have had awards in my life and winning more feels good, but when I was composing the music of 'Border,' I was really craving for an award from AJP Abdul Kalam ji’s hand, I so wanted him to give me an award. This is coming straight from my heart, and now I have been given an honor named after him, it is his blessing."

Known for his velvety voice, singer Udit Narayan also said, "I have been a recipient of Bharat Nirmaan Foundation, and now Bharat Ratan by the name of AJP Abdul Kalam Ji, I am honoured and privileged to receive this. Thank you everyone."

On the work front, Malik was a judge on Indian Idol from its first season in 2004 till 2018, when he left after sexual harassment allegations. He returned as a judge for the show's 11th season in 2019, but left after three weeks, and he was one of the judges for part of the 12th season. (UNI)