Maharashtra government mulling to start Mangeshkar 'school of music'

Mumbai: Seeing the contribution of Mangeshkar family to the field of music, Maharashtra government is mulling to start 'Mangeshkar academy of music' in the state, Culture Minister Vinod Tawde said here Wednesday.

"For this academy, the government will take help from Mangeshkar family, those who have won the prestigious Lata Mangeshkar award and stalwarts from music industry," Tawde said.

The government Wednesday awarded singer Uttam Singh with this year's Lata Mangeshkar award at a ceremony in Ravindra Natya Mandir here.

"This year, the committee that selects the name of the awardee, unanimously approved Uttam Singh's name. This shows that art and songs does not depend on the language one speaks or does not speak," the minister said.

The Lata Mangeshkar award, that is announced by the state government on the birthday of the iconic singer who is also a Bharat Ratna-awardee, consists of Rs 5 lakh in cash and a certificate.