Anil Kapoor to be honoured!

Every year on the occasion of her father's death anniversary the Nightingale Lata Mangeshkar honours distinguished artistes from various walks of life. This year on the occasion of her father Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar's death anniversary on April 24, the Nightingale Lata Mangeshkar has decided to honour Anil Kapoor.

Thrilled to bits, Anil who is scheduled to fly to LA on 24th says he has postponed his trip by a day. "I cannot say no to Lataji. To be honoured by her and that too with an award in her father's life, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I've pushed ahead my commitment in LA by a day to the 25th. I'll be heading straight to the airport after getting my award from Lataji."

Anil points out the significance of no.24 in his life. "I was born on 24 December. My serial is called 24. And now Lataji will honour me on the 24th."

Anil regrets he had once before missed the opportunity for receiving the Pandit Dinanath award as he had been in the US when he was offered the same.

"But this time there is no way I would miss it," he says. Lataji laughs warmly when told of Anil's enthusiasm about the award. "He is an actor we wanted to honour for quite a while. I am personally very fond of his work. I enjoy all his performances. I specially like him in Pukar and Nayak.In fact I made an appearance in Pukar where I was seen singing my own song composed by AR Rahman."

Lataji likes Anil's public conduct as well as his performances. "One hears and reads a lot of gossip and scandals about some other stars' personal lives. But Anil has never been in any scandal. He is a rare combination of talent and good manners."