Dedicating his Padma Vibhushan to Lord Shiva, Hindustani classical vocalist Chhannulal Mishra says the government honour may have come late but it is special as it has come during his lifetime.
The vocalist, whose renditions of "Khele masaane me holi digambar", "Barsan laagi badareeya" and "Laage tose nain" are audience favourites, said he was surprised to see his name among the Padma awardees.
Mishra, who had proposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name during 2014 Lok Sabha elections, said the present government has a positive attitude towards traditional music.
"The honour may have come late but I have no complaints. I got it late in life but at least I got it while I'm still alive. I am 85 now. I have no idea how long I'm going to live. It is a big deal that I got this award in my lifetime," Mishra told PTI Bhasha in an interview.
Terming the Padma Vibhushan a milestone in his career, Mishra added, "This is a huge recognition because after this there is only Bharat Ratna. I am happy the government of India has recognised my contribution towards music."
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