Prabha Atre gets Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Lifetime Award

NASHIK: Veteran classical vocalist Prabha Atre was today felicitated with the prestigious Pt Bhimsen Joshi Lifetime Achievement Award-2014.

Noted classical Hindustani vocalist Pandit Jasraj presented the award to the 82-year-old singer at a function held here.

The award, instituted by Maharashtra government's Directorate of Cultural Activities, carries a cash purse of Rs five lakh, a memento and a citation.

State Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde was present on the occasion.

While accepting the award, Atre, who has been in the field of classical music for past 60 years, said, "The Maharashtra government had not honoured me by presenting this prestigious award, but given respect to the classical music. I have no heredity in music, and even there was no plan to make career in it, but my fans made me a singer."

On the occasion, Tawde said, "Classical music and folk arts are valuable treasures of Maharashtra's culture and we will definitely try to take it to the next generation."