Lata Mangeshkar award to Snehal Bhatkar, Manna Dey

Mumbai, June 17 (UNI) Veteran Marathi musician Snehal Bhatkar and playback singer Manna Dey have been selected for the prestigious Lata Mangeshkar award for 2004 and 2005 respectively.

This was announced by the Maharashtra government in a release issued by the department of cultural affairs here yesterday.

The two have been selected for the award which was instituted by the Maharashtra government nearly 15 years ago.

Snehal Bhatkar is the father of veteral Marathi actor Ramesh Bhatkar, while Manna Dey is versatile playback singer who has sung many melodious songs like 'aye mere pyare watan', 'tu pyar ka sagar hai', 'jhoomta mausam mast mahina', 'pyar hua ikraar hua' and many more.

The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The date of award ceremony would be announced later.

UNI JM KU VA BD0853