Sangeet Natak Akademi Selects 106 Artists for Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024-2025

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar winners for the years 2024 and 2025 have been chosen by Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is the apex body for the promotion of Indian Performing Arts. These winners include 106 young artists selected by its General Council during a meeting convened in New Delhi between 22 and 26 March 2026. This award is given to individuals for their contributions in the field of music, dance, theatre, folk and traditional arts, puppetry and allied performing arts.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Selects 106 Young Artists

The General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi has selected the total 106 artists as recipients of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the year 2024 and 2025. This selection is recognition of the emerging talents in India’s vibrant performing arts tradition.

The list includes artists who are belong from the several categories such as Hindustani and Carnatic music, classical dancing, acting, folk music, folk dancing, puppetry, and various traditional forms of performing arts. It also includes individuals whose contribution to the performing arts is not restricted to performances alone but extends to other areas as well.

In addition, the announcement included seven distinguished individuals who have been chosen as Akademi Fellows or Akademi Ratna and 108 artists chosen for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for 2024 and 2025.

Details of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024-2025 Awards

The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar was started in 2006 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to honour young artistes for their exceptional talent in music, dance, and drama. Eligibility for the award includes artistes under the age of 40 years with age criteria being determined based on the specified date in the nomination guidelines by the Akademi.

The award is for five major categories of activitie,

• Music: Hindustani, Carnatic, and other forms of music.
• Dance: Classical, traditional, and other dances.
• Theatre: Acting, directing, script writing, and other theatre arts.
• Traditional, folk, and tribal arts: Music, dance, theatre, puppetry, and other arts.
• Contribution and Scholarship: Overall contribution to performing arts and associated scholarship.

Prize money of ₹25,000, a Tamrapatra, and Angavastram are awarded along with each award. Guidelines set by the Sangeet Natak Akademi stipulate that not more than 33 awards should be given in one year. The 106 artistes nominated for 2024 and 2025 are for two award years together.

Background and Role of Sangeet Natak Akademi

Sangeet Natak Akademi is the National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama in India. Formed in 1953, it acts as an independent institution within the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its activities include promotion and documentation of the heritage of the performing arts in India.

Awards in the Akademi include the following,

• Akademi Ratna: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship which is one of the most prestigious awards limited to only 40 Fellows at any point of time.
• Akademi Puraskar: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for distinguished contribution in the field of performing arts.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: Award for outstanding young performers in the performing arts.

For the 2024 & 2025 Award year, the General Council has also chosen seven Akademi Fellows and 108 recipients of the Akademi Puraskar, in addition to the 106 Yuva Puraskar winners.