Music Director Shantanu Moitra to be Honoured with National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 for renowned music director Shantanu Moitra in recognition of his contributions to music direction; the award comprises a tax-free cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a citation. The award will be presented on September 28, 2026, in Indore on the occasion of Lata Mangeshkar's birth anniversary, with a two-day event commencing on September 27. Shantanu Moitra has composed music and background scores for films such as Parineeta, 3 Idiots, Piku, October, and 12th Fail, and previously won a National Film Award in 2014 for Na Bangaru Talli. The Madhya Pradesh government instituted the Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1984 to honour outstanding contributions in the field of music.
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 will be conferred upon renowned music director and background score composer Shantanu Moitra for his contributions to the field of music direction. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Indore on September 28, 2026. The honour includes a citation and a tax-free cash prize of ₹5 lakh.
Award Ceremony and Lata Mangeshkar Birth Anniversary:
The award ceremony will take place at the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Indore. The two-day event will begin on September 27 with a musical programme titled ‘Amar Lata Hamari Lata...’. On September 28, the award presentation will be followed by a performance by the musical duo Sachet-Parampara. Entry to the events on both days is free for the general public.
Shantanu Moitra's Musical Contribution:
Shantanu Moitra was born on January 22, 1968, in Lucknow. Before entering the film industry, he worked in the advertising sector. He has composed music and background scores for films such as Parineeta, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Madras Cafe, Piku, October, and 12th Fail. His music is characterized by a prominent use of Indian folk music and melodious tunes.
Recipient of the National Film Award:
Shantanu Moitra received the National Film Award in 2014 for Best Music Direction (Background Score) for the Telugu film Na Bangaru Talli. This achievement highlights his contribution to music direction in Indian cinema.
History of the Lata Mangeshkar Award:
The Lata Mangeshkar Award was instituted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1984 to honor outstanding contributions in the field of music. This award is associated with the musical legacy of the legendary Indian playback singer Lata Mangeshkar. Lata Mangeshkar was born on September 28, 1929, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh; therefore, the ceremony held in Indore on her birth anniversary holds special cultural significance.
Significance for UPSC:
This news pertains to Indian art and culture, musical traditions, national awards, cultural honors conferred by state governments, and Indian cinema. Lata Mangeshkar was honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and three National Film Awards. In the context of the UPSC examination, news of this nature may lead to questions regarding the establishment of the award, the associated personality, the field of art, and the awarding institution.
