The first award given by those who love me, says Javed Akhtar

 Media Coverage  |  29-03-2025

Renowned lyricists’ emotional words at Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards Ceremony

“I have seen many ups and downs in life, but I would still say, life should be lived grandly. Many intellectuals and critics have given me awardsa, but this is the first award given to me by those who truely love me,” said renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar, expressing his emotions. The occasion was the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2025 presentation ceremony.

The Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards are held annually in memory of Jyotsna Vijay Darda, founder of Lokmat Sakhi and a connoisseur of music.

 This year marked the 12th edition of the awards. The grand ceremony was organised at the Tata Theatre, NCPA, in the presence of artistes and music lovers. Veteran lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar was honoured with the Legend Award, while  veteran singer Nitin Mukesh was presented with the Icon Award for their invaluable contribution to the field of music.

Javed Akhtar, sharing his heartfelt thoughts, said, “Now, the journey of life seems shorter, and the mountain of work appears much bigger.” He also praised  chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda for organising such a grand event.

He added that “Jyotsna must have given him immense love, which is why I would love to see Vijay in every son and Jyotsna in every daughter.” His words received a thunderous round of applause from the audience.

The event was graced by Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr. Vijay Darda, former Maharashtra minister Sureshdada Jain, singer Roopkumar Rathod, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, managing director of Lokmat Media Group Devendra Darda, and joint managing director and editorial director Rishi Darda. The ceremony commenced with lighting of the traditional lamp.

Expressing his gratitude, Nitin Mukesh said, “If my speech falters today due to happiness, please forgive me. I am grateful to Dr. Vijay Darda for this award. Many legends have received this honour before me. This is a tribute to the memory of my father, Mukeshji. This award will keep me connected to Lokmat forever. I also hope that, in the future, my sons Neil and Naman will receive this award as well.”

Soulful melodies that captivated audience

The evening became even more magical when Nitin Mukesh performed iconic songs such as “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai,” “Aa Ab Laut Chale,” and “So Gaya Yeh Jahan.” Without any instrumental accompaniment, his

voice alone captivated the entire audience.

Every song received resounding applause,

and the audience wished the moment would

never end.

Musical delights

and performances

This year, Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards were organised across six cities. At the Lokmat Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards 2025, the audience experienced a unique fusion of Sufi and Jazz music. The mesmerizing performances by ghazal singer Pooja Gaitonde and music composer Louis Banks left the audience spellbound. The musical ensemble included Gino Banks on drums, Sheldon D’Silva on bass, Harsh Bhavsar on trumpet, Jayant Goshar on guitar, and Unmesh Banerjee on tabla. The event was co-sponsored by Cello, Adani Group, and Solitaire Group. Besides, a special Sur Jyotsna song, penned by Javed Akhtar, was presented on the occasion.

The Lokmat Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards ceremony was held in a grand manner at the Tata Theatre, NCPA,  in Mumbai on Friday. During the event, veteran lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar was honoured with the Legend Award, while veteran singer Nitin Mukesh received the Icon Award. Present on this occasion were (from left)  joint managing director and editorial director of Lokmat Media Group Rishi Darda, former Maharashtra minister Sureshdada Jain, Maharashtra skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr. Vijay Darda, Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, managing director of Lokmat Media Group Devendra Darda, and actor Neil Nitin Mukesh.

 Datta Khedekar

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