Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was conferred the coveted Maharashtra Bhushan - 2021 Award In Mumbai.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries, including Sachin Tendulkar, were present and hailed the 89-year-old Bhosle's singing career which has completed 80 years.
"Asha-tai is the pride of Maharashtra... The Mangeshkar family has been ruling the minds of the fans for over eight decades and served the field of arts through their singing and music," said Shinde.
Shinde said that in her long music career, Bhosle had sung thousands of songs in various languages with ease, ranging from devotional to disco tracks.
"The songs sung by her remain afresh even today and would continue to regale us in future too... the glory of Maharashtra Bhushan has increased, thanks to her," said Shinde.
Replying to accolades, Bhosle said that her father, Dinanath Mangeshkar, her sister Lata Mangeshkar (also conferred the same award in 1997) were among those whose blessings she got during her entire musical career.
"Singing has enriched my life immensely but the contributions of the musicians and co-singers in my musical journey cannot be forgotten... I urge you to listen to all types of music and songs," said Bhosle with folded hands.
Other prominent persons present included Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Mumbai Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Chief Secretary M.K. Srivastava, Cultural Affairs Principal Secretary Vikas Kharge and invitees.