Introduction
Music director Shantanu Moitra Honoured with National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 on September 28, 2026, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The award was presented for his contribution to music direction and Indian music.
The honour was conferred during a two-day National Lata Mangeshkar Award ceremony and musical programme organised in Indore to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary playback singer and Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar.
The award includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a citation plaque. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the programme virtually and presented the honour to Shantanu Moitra, according to media reports.
Sources: The Times of India
Shantanu Moitra Honoured in Indore
The award ceremony took place at the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Indore on Monday, September 28, 2026. The event formed part of a two-day cultural programme held on September 27 and 28.
The programme began with a musical evening dedicated to Lata Mangeshkar. The award ceremony was followed by a performance by the popular singing duo Sachet and Parampara.
The National Lata Mangeshkar Award is given by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to recognise significant contributions to the field of music. The award is associated with the memory and musical legacy of Lata Mangeshkar, one of India’s most respected playback singers.
Award Recognises Contribution to Music Direction
Shantanu Moitra has made a significant contribution to Indian film music, background scores and independent musical projects. His work is known for its melodic quality, emotional depth and use of Indian musical influences.
He has composed music and background scores for several well-known films, including:
- Parineeta
- Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi
- Lage Raho Munna Bhai
- 3 Idiots
- Piku
- Madras Cafe
- October
- 12th Fail
His compositions have been appreciated for supporting the emotional and narrative structure of films rather than functioning only as separate musical pieces.
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Shantanu Moitra’s National Film Award
Shantanu Moitra received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in the background score category for the Telugu film Naa Bangaaru Talli in 2014.
Apart from film music, he has also been associated with devotional and independent musical works. His popular compositions and musical projects have helped him establish a distinct identity in the Indian music industry.
The National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 recognises his long-standing contribution to music direction and his role in enriching Indian cinema through melody and background scoring.
Importance of the National Lata Mangeshkar Award
The National Lata Mangeshkar Award is one of the important music honours associated with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The award was instituted to honour artists for their contribution to music direction and playback singing.
The award is presented in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, whose career influenced generations of singers, composers and music lovers. Her contribution to Indian music continues to be remembered through cultural programmes and awards across the country.
The award ceremony in Indore also highlighted the cultural connection between Madhya Pradesh and Lata Mangeshkar. The legendary singer was born in Indore on September 28, 1929.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award | National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 |
| Recipient | Shantanu Moitra |
| Field | Music direction |
| Awarding authority | Government of Madhya Pradesh |
| Ceremony date | September 28, 2026 |
| Venue | Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium, Indore |
| Prize | ₹5 lakh and citation plaque |
| Associated personality | Lata Mangeshkar |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Who received the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026?
Ans: Music director Shantanu Moitra received the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026.
Q2) When was the award presented?
Ans: The award was presented on September 28, 2026.
Q3) Where was the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 presented?
Ans: The award ceremony was held at the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Q4) What does the National Lata Mangeshkar Award include?
Ans: The award includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a citation plaque.
Q5) Why was Shantanu Moitra selected for the award?
Ans: He was honoured for his contribution to music direction and Indian music.
Q6) Which films are associated with Shantanu Moitra?
Ans: Some of his notable films include Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Piku, Madras Cafe, October and 12th Fail.
Conclusion
Shantanu Moitra received the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 in recognition of his contribution to music direction. The award ceremony was held in Indore on September 28, 2026, as part of a cultural programme dedicated to the legacy of Lata Mangeshkar.
The honour adds another important achievement to Moitra’s career and highlights his contribution to the development of meaningful music in Indian cinema.