Friday, May 20 2005 08:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi exponent Yamini Krishnamurthi and violinist Lalgudi Jayaraman were among the five senior artistes who were yesterday (May 19, 2005) conferred 'Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Awards'.

Hinduatani vocalist Pandit Yashwant Balakrishna Joshi, Sitarist Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan and Carnatic vocalist T M Thiagarajan also received the award from filmmaker Gulzar in New Delhi.

The award, comprising a shawl, a citation and cash prize of Rs 40,000, is given in recognition of the "unquestioning talent, unparallel achievement and electrifying presence" of the artistes.

Presenting the award, Gulzar said, "These artists have been leading lights who stood like a rooted tree in the midst of storm."

Krishnamurthi said the award made her feel like "someone special", while another awardee Jaffer Khan said such awards were encouraging them to remain in the artistic field.