The maestro does not need any introduction. Having won many prestigious awards around the world, 2010 gave him another sweet surprise. It was the first time the National Awards Jury introduced a category for 'Best background score'. And no prizes for guessing who achieved this unique distinction! We only wish this award had been instituted some years back. He was also one of the main characters in Nandalala (according to the director himself) and tugged everyone's hearts with his soul-stirring music.