Music director Anandji Virji Shah awarded Akshaya Samman, 2012

The annual award was presented to Anandji of the famous Kalyanji-Anandji duo at a function held here on the occasion of the birth anniversary of legendary composer, lyricist, singer and writer, Akshaya Mohanty.

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 was instituted by Akshaya Mohanty Foundation.

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

Receiving the award, Anandji said though he had never met the legendary Akshaya Mohanty he respected the late artist for his extraordinary talent and unique style.

The previous recipients of the samman were Manna De, Gulzar, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ilayaraja and Asha Bhonsle.

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