Subhash Ghai's institute announces Lata Mangeshkar scholarship

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai's film and media arts institute Whistling Woods International has announced a scholarship named after melody queen Lata Mangeshkar.

The "Taal" filmmaker, along with his daughter Meghna Ghai-Puri and a few students of his film institute, met the legendary singer at her residence on Thursday to invite her to receive the '2016 Whistling Woods Maestro Award' for her contribution to Indian cinema, at its ninth convocation on July 18.

"I am deeply touched by this great gesture of Subhash-ji, Meghna and their team. It’s an honour for me," Mangeshkar said in a statement.

Mangeshkar, who is in news after comedian Tanmay Bhat made a spoof video on her and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, was happy to meet them.

"Greetings. It was really nice meeting Subhash Ghai, his daughter, and students of Whistling Woods," the 86-year-old posted on Twitter on Thursday night. 

Ghai, who has helmed films like "Taal", "Pardes" and "Khalnayak", said the scholarship will inspire the young generation.

"It is our great honour to have Lataji’s acceptance for our attempt to inspire the next generation of Indian filmmakers. This scholarship in the name of India’s pride and an institution for us all, Lataji, will continue to benefit students for decades to come," he said.

The Lata Mangeshkar Scholarship will carry a 100 per cent fee waiver for a two-year or three-year programme at the institute.

Before this, the institute had announced a scholarship in the name of legendary actor Dilip Kumar.