Renowned singer Shankar Mahadevan was recently bestowed with a highly prestigious honor as he received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) for his exceptional contributions to music and the arts. The esteemed ceremony took place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on June 23, and was graced by the presence of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and legendary guitarist John McLaughlin, adding an extra touch of grandeur to the event.
Expressing his gratitude upon accepting the honorary doctorate, Shankar Mahadevan humbly stated, “This is truly special. I feel privileged and honored to receive this legendary and honorable doctorate. It is a result of the body of work that I have dedicated myself to. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Birmingham City University and everyone involved in conferring this prestigious honor upon me. This occasion serves as a reminder for me to work even harder, create more beautiful songs, and spread the joy of Indian classical music to audiences worldwide.”
With the presence of Ustad Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin, Mahadevan acknowledged the profound impact that such esteemed figures have had on his career. He emphasized, “When an artist you look up to confers an honorary doctorate upon you, it becomes a goal to achieve. It inspires young talents to believe that their dreams can come true. They are motivated to work diligently and strive for the heights that I have reached today. I used to admire maestros like John McLaughlin and Ustad Zakir Hussain, and having them present at this ceremony is truly an honor. It sets a positive example for the next generation.”
The event was made even more spectacular as students showcased their talents by performing songs composed by Shankar Mahadevan, including the popular track ‘Mitwa’ from the film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. In an exceptional collaboration, the choir was joined by Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, and John McLaughlin, resulting in a mesmerizing musical experience.
Shankar Mahadevan’s honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University stands as a testament to his remarkable contributions to the world of music and his unwavering dedication to his craft. This recognition not only honors his achievements but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and hard work. The Bollywood industry applauds Shankar Mahadevan’s remarkable accomplishment and eagerly anticipates the continued brilliance he will bring to the world of music.
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