Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2021–2024

Why in News?

A total of 51 artistes were honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards on 5 June 2026 at Lok Bhawan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The awards covered the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and recognized contributions in music, dance, theatre, and folk arts.

Key Highlights

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards

• The awards were presented to 51 artistes from various performing arts disciplines.
• Recipients were associated with:
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Folk Arts
• The awards recognize outstanding contributions to India’s performing arts traditions.

Award Ceremony

• The ceremony was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi at Lok Bhawan, Lucknow.
• Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, attended as the chief guest and presented the awards.

Theatre Honours

The event also featured:

• Safdar Hashmi Award
• BM Shah Award

These awards recognize distinguished contributions to theatre and stage performance.

Preservation of Folk Traditions

• The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi has preserved over 5,500 hours of rare audio-video recordings.
• The archive documents:
  • Folk music traditions
  • Folk theatre forms
  • Cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh

Related Organizations and Institutions

Sangeet Natak Akademi

• Established in 1953.
• India’s national academy for:
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Drama
• Functions under the Ministry of Culture.
• Confers awards, fellowships, and supports preservation of performing arts.

Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi

• State-level institution promoting performing arts in Uttar Pradesh.
• Works in the fields of music, dance, theatre, and folk traditions.

Ministry of Culture

• Nodal ministry for the preservation, promotion, and development of India’s cultural heritage and performing arts.