In the United Kingdom, playback and classical singer Kavita Krishnamurthy received a lifetime achievement award

The yearly UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) in London has given renowned playback and classical vocalist Kavita Krishnamurthy a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her musical contributions.

The 66-year-old singer, who is known for numerous Bollywood movie office smashes like “Mr India” and “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” was presented with the Golden Flame Lifetime Achievement Award at a lavish ceremony this past weekend. On Monday, there was a party.

Having recorded over 50,000 songs in approximately 45 Indian languages, she was recognized for her accomplishments throughout a four-decade career. “I was always very clear that I would not be singing any film song that my mother or brother would feel embarrassed listening to,” Krishnamurthy said during a special Rendezvous event held at the Taj Hotel in London.

It came after the UKAFF 2024 closing gala, when the singer received recognition for her commitment to Indian music via performances throughout the globe and the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts in Bengaluru, which she co-founded with her renowned husband, violinist L. Subramaniam.

We are delighted to have had the chance to recognize her remarkable career trajectory at the UK Asian Film Festival. “Her ability and commitment have made a lasting impact on the industry,” said Dr. Pushpinder Chowdhry, Founder and Director of UKAFF.

One of the longest-running South Asian film festivals in the world, UKAFF is hosted by Tongues on Fire. The 26th edition of the festival ended with the Flame Awards this year. The festival’s mission is to support women in film, both in front of and behind the camera, and South Asian female-centric filmmaking. Its annual awards ceremony aims to further honor the accomplishments of women in cinema as part of its purpose to advocate for and promote gender equality in the film industry.

In keeping with the subject of this year’s Climate of Change festival, Rina Dhaka, an award-winning heritage Indian designer, talked extensively about her ecologically conscious creations while accepting the Flame Celebrating Sustainable Fashion award.

The Golden Flame Award Celebrating 50 Years of Cinema was given to veteran star Shabana Azmi at the end of the two-week film festival, which began earlier this month. “Longing and Belonging” has been revealed as the topic for the next edition.

“We hope to find films and program events that will celebrate the ideas and bonds that unite us, transcending borders and barriers to embrace our shared humanity, champion diversity, and empower emerging talents, ensuring that more voices from the United Kingdom are heard and celebrated alongside visionaries from all corners of the globe for UKAFF 2025,” UKAFF Creative Director Samir Bhamra said. “With technology, we are connected better but have become more fragmented.”