Akshaya Samman 2012 awarded to Anandji

Ace music composer duo Kalyanji-Anandji received the sixth Akshaya Samman of 2012 for lifetime achievement in the field of music. Anandji Virji Shah accepted the award on their behalf from Tourism Minister Maheswar Mohanty and Agricultre Minister Debi Prasad mishra.

Akshaya Samman was conferred to Anandji on the occasion of birth anniversary of legendary Odia singer & musician Akshay Mohanty, popularly known as Khoka bhai. A fully-packed Utkal Mandap paid a soulful tribute to the legendary lyricist, music director, singer and writer on Friday.

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 Akshaya Samman carried a cash award of Rs 1 lakh along with a special letter of appreciation.

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

Sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik showcased sand art with the tune of “ja re bhasi bhasi ja…” song. Amarendra Mohanty crooned ‘Topae Luhare Bhasai Debi To Deula…’, Bhaskar Puhan sang ‘Sabari Chale re Dheere Dheere…’, Sohini Mishra sang ‘Radha Bina Kanha…’. Other singers like Sailabhama, Ranbir, Bandish, Pratyasha, Antara, Sibabrata, Mitrabhanu Mohanty also performed Akshay Mohanty songs on this occasion.