AR Rahman receives the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai presented the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award to Rahman on the 78th birthday of the well-known composer and the younger brother of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle

Music composer AR Rahman was conferred the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai on Monday.

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai presented the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award to Rahman on the 78th birthday of the well-known composer and the younger brother of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

“The music of Hridaynathji is an inspiration,” Rahman said, adding that the Mangeshkar family has been upholding a great musical tradition across generations.

Ghai, who has worked with the 48-year old musician in Taal, said more than being a celebrity, Rahman is a beautiful soul.

“He didn’t know Hindi or Punjabi but worked 70 nights on the music of Taal and proved he is the best musician. He is not only a big celebrity, he is a beautiful soul,” Ghai said.

Hridaynath Mangeshkar said Rahman had made the country proud with his outstanding contribution to music.

Grammy Award winning Hindustani classical musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and 2014 Grammy winner Ricky Kej were also present at the event.

The first Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award was given to Lata Mangeshkar.