Veteran singer Sandhya Mukherjee turns down Padma Shri, says ‘Felt insulted’

Renowned singer Sandhya Mukherjee has refused to accept the Padma Shri award on the eve of Republic Day. The 90-year-old veteran in a Bengali industry was offered the Padma Shri by a government official over a phone call on Tuesday.

However, Soumi Sengupta, the singer’s daughter, told India Today that her mother turned down the honour for the reason that, "To confer a Padma Shri to a legend like her at the age of 90 is extremely demeaning".

Soumi explicitly told that veteran singer’s call to turn down the Padma Shri was not at all politically motivated.

“There is no politics in it. She is far beyond any politics. Please do not try to find out any political reasons in it. She felt insulted, that's all,” said Soumi.

The 90-year-old was held to be one of the sweetest voices of the 60s and 70s. She has sung playback in several songs in Bengali and other dialects. Even today her duets with Hemanta Mukherjee are appreciatively recalled by music enthusiasts.

In 2011, the veteran singer was presented with the Banga Bibhusan, the highest civilian honour given by the West Bengal government. She was also awarded the National Film Award for best female playback singer in 1970 for 'Jay Jayanti'.

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