UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Announces Honours for 45 Artistes (2021–2024), Celebrating Excellence in Performing and Folk Arts

In a major recognition of artistic excellence, the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi has unveiled a comprehensive list of awardees honouring 45 distinguished artistes across music, dance, theatre, and traditional folk disciplines for the years 2021 to 2024.

The prestigious state-level cultural institution also confirmed that two special recognitions—the Safdar Hashmi Samman and the B.M. Shah Samman—will be conferred during the same period to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to theatre and stagecraft.

Commitment to Cultural Heritage

Announcing the honours, Akademi chairman Jayant Khot stated that the institution remains dedicated to safeguarding and advancing Uttar Pradesh’s diverse artistic traditions.

He added that a grand function will soon be organised to formally felicitate all selected artistes.

“The Akademi continues its efforts to recognise talent across classical, contemporary, and folk forms, ensuring that our cultural legacy is preserved and passed on to future generations,” he said.

Awardees for 2021

For the year 2021, the Akademi selected several prominent names from different artistic streams:

• Pandit Deenanath Mishra was chosen for his contribution to Hindustani classical vocal music
• Shrikant Vaishya was honoured in the category of traditional folk singing
• Prabhu Dayal from Kanpur received recognition for his expertise in playing the nakkara, a traditional percussion instrument.
• Jawahar Lal from Varanasi was selected for his excellence in shehnai performance.e

These artists were acknowledged for their dedication to preserving and enriching their respective art forms.

Awards for 2022, 2023, and 2024

While the Akademi has announced awardees for the subsequent years as well, the list includes a wide range of performers spanning:

• Classical vocal and instrumental music
• Various dance traditions, such as Kathak and regional styles
• Theatre practitioners, directors, and playwrights
• Folk artists representing diverse regional expressions of Uttar Pradesh

The selection process involved careful evaluation by expert committees, ensuring representation from both established maestros and emerging talents who have made a significant impact in their fields.

Special Theatre Recognitions

The Safdar Hashmi Samman and the B.M. Shah Samman will be awarded to eminent personalities who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to theatre, including direction, acting, and stage innovation.

These honours aim to highlight the importance of theatre as a powerful medium of artistic and social expression.

Celebrating Artistic Diversity

The Akademi’s annual honours serve not only as recognition but also as encouragement for artists working in often underrepresented and traditional forms.

By including folk performers alongside classical and contemporary practitioners, the awards underline the richness and diversity of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural landscape.

With preparations underway for the award ceremony, the spotlight now turns to the artists whose work continues to shape and sustain the performing arts tradition in the state.

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