Noted Marathi actor Prashant Damle will be conferred with the Dinanath Mangeshkar Award for outstanding contribution in the field of theatre, film and music.
The announcement was made by singer Hridaynath Mangeshkar at the 100th show of Damle’s Marathi play Karti Kaljat Ghusli.
The annual award is given to personalities from Marathi and Hindi theatre, music and films. Instituted in 1999 by Lata Mangeshkar and her family in the memory of her father, the award comprises a cash prize of Rs100,000 (Dh5,537) and a citation.
Radha Mangeshkar, noted playback singer and daughter of Hridaynath, was also present on the occasion.
The award will be presented by Lata Mangeshkar in April next year on the occasion of the death anniversary of Mangeshkar.
“Prashant Damle is a leading actor in Marathi theatre today. He has given his best to the Marathi stage in his career spanning over 33 years. His outstanding contribution comes at a very early age and that was a point of contention before the jury. But the jury ultimately weighed in his favour looking at his enormous devotion to the theatre,” said Hridaynath.
Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, a milestone Marathi play, has been revived by the Prashant Damle Fan Foundation 25 years after of its launch.
After successful shows across the state, the 100th show was celebrated with fanfare. TV and film actor Atul Kulkarni and former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil were also present.
Director Mangesh Kadam, music director Ashok Patki, artists, technicians and back stage artists were also felicitated while celebrating the occasion.
“Achieving the 11,000 show mark [of all Damle’s plays] in a career spanning over 33 years was a dream came true for me. This could not have been possible without the support and well wishes of my family members, friends and, more importantly, my fans,” Damle said.
