Anandji Virji Shah to be conferrred Akshaya Samman award

The annual award instituted by the Akshaya Mohanty Foundation would be presented at a function here on October 12 to Anandji of Kalyanji-Anandji fame.

Anandji, who scored music in over 250 films, has introduced a number of talents like Manohar Udhas, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yajnik, Sadhana Sargam, Sapna Mukherjee and Sunidhi Chauhan.

The award comprising a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a special letter of appreciation will be given on the occasion of the birth anniversary of legendary composer, lyricist and writer Akshaya Monanty.

Akshaya Samman is given in recognition of lifetime contribution to music or literature.

The last four recipients of the samman are Manna De, Gulzar, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ilayaraja and Asha Bhonsle.

Like previous years, this year also Akshaya music competition-2012 was held in four places across the state including Bhubaneswar, Angul, Berhampur and Balasore, while the final round was conducted in Bhubaneswar.

Those selected in different categories will also be awarded during the Akshaya Utsav.