Two years after his death, Lucknow is planning a befitting tribute to it’s one of the most illustrious son Naushad Ali.

In memory of the ‘doyen of music industry’, city based Naushad Sangeet Kendra has announced to establish ‘Naushad Samman’ from this year.

“The best tribute to a musician is to award music scholars who have made notable contribution to Indian music,” says Athar Nabi, the brain behind the awards.

The first of the annual awards will be bestowed on noted music composer Khayyam for his incomparable contribution in keeping the tradition and high standards of Indian music in films and society.

The award ceremony to be graced by eminent musicians will be held on February 14 at Sangeet Natak Academy auditorium in Lucknow. “We are planning a special tribute to Naushad in which 6 of his songs will be choreographed and presented on the occasion,” says Nabi terming Naushad as the first “crossover” musicians. “International recognition that musicians like AR Rehman are getting today was bestowed on Naushad Saheb way back,” he claims.

“Only difference being that whatever he did has to have a classical touch in it,” he adds reminiscing

music of Mughal-e-Azam, Mother India, Baijo Bhawra to name a few.

Special highlight of the event would be a special talk on music titled ‘Shastriya Sangeet Ki Filmi Sangeet Se Apekshayein’. “Music scholars from across the country have been invited to present papers during the programme which will have Khayyam, poet and lyricist Gulzar, Amin Sayani and ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas as special guests,” says Nabi.