Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikar Puraskar

At the glittering 29th edition of the Sangit Kala Kendra (SKK) Awards, Indian classical music stood luminous at centre stage as the prestigious Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikar Puraskar was conferred upon Padma Bhushan Vidushi Begum Parween Sultana, one of the most revered and versatile maestros of Indian music. The evening was a celebration not merely of excellence, but of legacy, values, and the timeless power of the arts. TheGlitz reports…

Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikar Puraskar: A LEGACY ROOTED IN VALUES AND VISION

Welcoming an august gathering of cultural stalwarts, Rajashree Birla, President of the Sangit Kala Kendra, traced the genesis of the institution and paid a deeply moving tribute to its legendary founder, Aditya Vikram Birla. Speaking with warmth and reflection, she described the Sangit Kala Kendra Awards as an annual homage to a life that symbolised creativity, imagination, and integrity.

Quoting words shared by her son Kumar Mangalam Birla on his father’s philosophy, she highlighted lessons that continue to resonate: that success need not come at the cost of values, that passion and discipline can coexist, and that life must be lived fully, with dedication to work and equal joy in living. Aditya Birla’s enduring presence, she said, continues to guide the ethos of the Sangit Kala Kendra.

INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC IN FOCUS

This year’s awards placed Indian classical music firmly in the spotlight. Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty graced the evening as Chief Guest, lending gravitas to a night steeped in tradition and artistic brilliance. The distinguished jury reflected the very pinnacle of Indian classical excellence, chaired by renowned Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar and comprising stalwarts Pandit Venkatesh Kumar, Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam, and Devaki Pandit. Together, they represented the depth, diversity, and discipline that define India’s classical heritage.

THE KALASHIKAR PURASKAR: HONOURING A MAESTRO

The coveted Aditya Vikram Birla Kalashikar Puraskar, the Sangit Kala Kendra’s premier honour, was bestowed upon Padma Bhushan Vidushi Begum Parween Sultana by Rajashree Birla. Celebrated for her extraordinary command across genres, Vidushi Parween Sultana is a rare artist whose mastery spans classical purity and expressive versatility, extending seamlessly into lighter classical and even film music. Her voice, technique, and emotional depth have shaped generations of listeners and students alike, making her recognition both timely and profoundly deserved.

AN EVENING OF STARS AND SPELLBINDING PERFORMANCES

The ceremony unfolded as a high-voltage cultural soirée, with Mumbai’s cultural and social elite present in full strength. The stage came alive with spectacular performances that brought the audience to its feet. Legendary actress Rekha captivated with her presence, while Shreya Ghoshal’s soulful brilliance reaffirmed her stature as one of India’s most loved voices. Performances by Adi Mangaldas and multi-instrumentalist Raghav Sachar added dynamic energy and contemporary flair, creating a seamless dialogue between classical tradition and modern expression.

HONOURING EMERGING TALENT

In addition to celebrating towering legends, the Sangit Kala Kendra continued its tradition of nurturing future torchbearers of the arts. The Aditya Vikram Birla Kala Kiran Puraskar was conferred upon Sammehan Kashalkar, Kumari Ankita Joshi, and Sagar Morankar… recognising promise, dedication, and emerging excellence in the performing arts.

TheGlitz Says: Aditya Vikram Birla Puraskars – A CONTINUING TRIBUTE TO INDIA’S ARTISTIC SOUL

Over more than twenty-five years, the Aditya Vikram Birla Puraskars have stood as a testament to the evolution and remarkable growth of India’s performing arts ecosystem. Past recipients of the Kalashikar Puraskar… icons such as Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Naseeruddin Shah, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Pandit Vijay Raghav Rao, and Pandit Ram Narayan, underscore the award’s extraordinary lineage. As Kumar Mangalam Birla graced the evening, the ceremony reaffirmed that Aditya Birla’s aura, values, and karmayogi spirit continue to inspire generations, ensuring that art, integrity, and excellence remain inseparable pillars of India’s cultural narrative.