Special award for Aamir Khan

Actor-turned director Aamir Khan will receive a special award from Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratisthan for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar will present the award to the actor in a programme on April 24 on the 66th death anniversary of Master Dinanath Mangeshkar, Pratishthan Trustee Hridaynath Mangeshkar told reporters on Wednesday night.

"Aamir has been experimenting a lot in the films he acts in as well as directing and producing. He does not attend any awards functions nor accepts prizes. When we called him to convey our decision, he readily agreed", Mangeshkar said.

The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a memento.

The Pratisthan will also honour noted actor Dr Shriram Lagoo for his contribution to cinema and theatre.

The other award winners are Malini Rajurkar (classical music) and Mohan Tondwalkar (best drama in Marathi theatre Shamburaje). Dr K R Toraskar of Ulhas Pratisthan will get Anandmai Puraskar for his social work and Shankar Abhyankar will get the Vagvilasini award for his contribution to literature, he said.

Mangeshkar said the Trust organises various theatre, music and dance programmes in memory of Dinanath Mangeshkar.