MUMBAI: Rajkumar Hirani, the acclaimed filmmaker behind some of Indian cinema’s most beloved films was feted with the ‘Rashtriya Kishore Kumar Samman’ for the year 2023 for screenwriting on Sunday. Known for delivering heartwarming and memorable movies, Rajkumar Hirani has always held a deep admiration for the legendary singer, the late Kishore Kumar. This heartfelt recognition came on the anniversary of Kishore Da’s passing, making it an especially cherished moment in his life.
The ceremony took place in Khandwa, Kishore Da’s birthplace, where the Madhya Pradesh government presented him with the award. Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah honored him for his exceptional contributions to scriptwriting.
Upon receiving the award, Rajkumar Hirani recalled a poignant memory from the day Kishore Da passed away. He shared how, as a young fan who had just arrived in Mumbai from Nagpur, he stood outside Kishore Da’s bungalow in Juhu. Despite his admiration, he wasn’t allowed to enter, as he was still an unknown face in the industry. He vividly remembered the lyrics of Kishore Da’s songs, which spoke of settling in Khandwa and enjoying milk and jalebi. In a fitting tribute, He paid his respects at Kishore Da’s memorial by offering milk and jalebi.
Reflecting on the honor, Hirani said, “Today, the same person who couldn’t enter Kishore Da’s Mumbai home is now being honored in his birthplace, Khandwa. Artists and directors may come and go, but songs live on. I’m sure that Kishore Da’s songs will be sung for the next 100 years.”
This marks a prestigious milestone for Raju Hirani, as he becomes the 27th recipient of the National Kishore Kumar Award. It’s a moment of pride, not only for the filmmaker but for his countless admirers as well. As we continue to appreciate his iconic films, excitement builds for his next project, which is eagerly awaited by audiences.
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