Vidya Balan bags Deenanath Mangeshkar Award

Mumbai: Felicitated with the Deenanath Mangeshkar Award- Vishesh Puraskar for her contribution to Indian Cinema, actress Vidya Balan shared a memory of her encounter with the nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar.

Wearing a saree gifted by the late Lata Mangeshkar, at an event held here on Monday, Vidya expressed her love and gratitude for the legendary icon.

“A few years ago, I had the privilege of sitting right behind Lataji at a film awards ceremony and I couldn’t help but stare at her in amazement through the evening. I believe someone later told her about it and a week later, she sent this saree to me, that I am wearing today. I called her to thank her. I had the privilege of hearing her melodious voice on the phone, I thanked her from the bottom of my heart and said to her that I will meet you wearing this saree, but unfortunately that didn’t happen…Maybe that is why I was chosen to come here today and share the experience of her blessing me,” she said.

Saying this Vidya stepped out from behind the podium so everyone present could have a good look at the gorgeous saree.

“I have had the good fortune of receiving many awards in my career and I always thought of them as a for of appreciation for my work, today this award feels like an honour,” she added.

On the work front, she was last seen in ‘Jalsa’. She next has ‘Neeyat’ in her kitty. (UNI)