Kishore Kumar Award for singers also from next year: Shri Laxmikant Sharma

Bhopal: Culture and Public Relations Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma bestowed National Kishore Kumar Award on famous film script writer Shri Saleem Khan at a grand function in Khandwa today. As part of the award, a cheque worth Rs. two lakh, shawl and coconut were presented to Shri Saleem Khan. Tribal Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Women & Child Development Minister and in-charge of Khandwa district Smt. Ranjana Baghel, Mayor Smt. Bhavna Shah, former Member of Parliament Shri Nand Kumar Singh Chuahan, playback singer Shri Udit Narayan and other distinguished persons were present on the occasion.

Addressing the function, Shri Laxmikant Sharma said that National Kishore Kumar Award will also be given for playback singing from the next year. So far, it is given for film direction, acting, script and lyrics writing. He informed that Sangeet College will be started at Khandwa from July 2013. The State Government will organise a film festival at Khandwa in the name of Dada Muni. Shri Saleem Khan was accompanied by his wife and famous actress Smt. Helen.

After receiving the National Kishore Kumar Award, Shri Saleem Khan expressed gratitude towards Madhya Pradesh government and lauded its hospitality. He said that this award is very significant since it is still relevant. He said that he is short of words for praising Madhya Pradesh government.

On the occasion, Smt. Ranjana Baghel described Indian cinema as a propagator of Hindi language. She also described Shri Saleem Khan as a personality who has given a mature image to the Indian cinema. Kunwar Vijay Shah wished long life for Shri Saleem Khan. Smt. Helen was overwhelmed by he grand welcome by Khandwa residents and expressed gratitude towards them. At the conclusion, Mayor Smt. Bhavna Shah proposed a vote of thanks. At the function, playback singer Shri Udit Narayan and his troupe sang melodious songs.