Marathi actor Prashant Damle to get Dinanath Mangeshkar award

 Noted Marathi actor Prashant Damle will be conferred with the Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award for outstanding contribution in the field of theatre, film and music.

The announcement was made by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar at the 100th show of Damle's Marathi play Karti Kaljat Ghusli.

The prestigious 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 fond memory of her father, the award comprises of a cash prize of Rs one lakh, a moment and a citation.

The announcement of this year's award was done by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, who was the chief guest for the 100th show of the Karti Kaljat Ghusli.

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 Master Dinanath.

"Prashant Damle is a leading actor of the 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 point of contention before the jury. But the jury ultimately weighed in his favour looking at his enormous devotion to the theatre," said Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, a milestone Marathi play, has been revived by Prashant Damle Fan Foundation after 25 years of its launch in Marathi theatre.

After successful shows across the state, the 100th show was celebrated with a fanfare. Apart from Hridaynath, noted TV and film actor Atul Kulkarni and former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil were also present on the occasion.

Director Mangesh Kadam, music director Ashok Patki, co-artists, technicians and back stage artists were also felicitated while celebrating the century of the play.

"Achieving the 11,000 show mark (collectively of all plays by Damle) in the career spanning over 33 years was a dream came true for me. This could not have been possible without support and well wishes of my family members, friends and more importantly my fans," said Damle.

He expressed gratitude and happiness for the award and said he was honoured to be declared its recipient.

Tejashree Pradhan, the Janhavi of popular Marathi TV serial Honar Sun Mee Ya Gharchi, plays the lead role of Damle's daughter in Karti Kaljat Ghusli. Other co-actors include Neeta Pendse and Parag Dange.