The 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards were held in Mumbai, bringing together several prominent names from the Marathi and Indian film industries. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar honoured the award winners at the ceremony.Actress Rani Mukerji was presented with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award for her contribution to Indian cinema. The honour came as the actress completed three decades in the film industry.Rani Mukerji also attracted attention with her traditional appearance at the event. She wore a green saree with a red border and paired it with green bangles, a mangalsutra and a gajra.
Rani Mukerji speaks about her connection with Maharashtra
Rani Mukerji’s acceptance speech became one of the highlights of the evening. The actress addressed the gathering in Marathi and spoke about her emotional connection with Maharashtra.She explained why the honour was particularly meaningful to her.“Namaskar, for me, Maharashtra is not just a state. Maharashtra is my birthplace and it is also my workplace. This land is an inseparable part of my life. I was born in this very city and grew up here. This is our very own Mumbai, the city of dreams. It was here that I learned the lessons of life, and it was also this city that taught me about cinema. I have experienced everything here, both success and failure.That is why today’s honour is extremely special to me. Because I have received this honour from my own people. I took my first step into this industry at a very young age. At that time, I did not have anyone’s support. I simply continued doing my work with all my heart. For me, cinema is a medium through which we understand people.”
Rani Mukerji opens up about choosing roles
Rani Mukerji also addressed the perception that she deliberately chooses women-centric films. She said her decisions are instead guided by how real a character and its journey feel to audiences.As reported by Loksatta, Rani Mukerji said, “I am often asked whether I consciously choose women-centric films. But that is not the case. I choose roles that feel real and whose journey feels real to the audience. I have never looked at cinema simply as a profession. For me, cinema is an extremely emotional subject, and Maharashtra is the root of that emotion for me.”
Devendra Fadnavis announces plans for Marathi cinema
Speaking at the ceremony, Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of Marathi cinema and theatre. He said the state government was preparing an action plan to make more cinema halls available for Marathi films.“An action plan has been prepared to make more cinema halls available for Marathi films and it will be announced soon,” Devendra Fadnavis said. Devendra Fadnavis also announced plans for a modern film city. The proposed facility will have updated technology, production facilities and different types of sets at one location.He said Marathi cinema remains among the country’s best in artistic quality. Devendra Fadnavis also praised its content, diversity and experimentation.
Salim Khan, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Prasad Oak honoured
Veteran music composer Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar received the Chitrapati V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award. Actor-director Prasad Oak was presented with the Chitrapati V Shantaram Special Contribution Award.Actor and writer Salim Khan received the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. Actress Helen accepted the honour on his behalf.As reported by PTI, Devendra Fadnavis praised Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar for creating a distinct musical world through his lifelong contribution. He also highlighted compositions connected with Dnyaneshwar Mauli, Veer Savarkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.Prasad Oak was praised for his work across acting and direction. Devendra Fadnavis described him as a “360-degree man” and specifically mentioned his portrayal of Anand Dighe in ‘Dharmaveer’.Devendra Fadnavis also credited Salim Khan and the Salim-Javed duo with giving Indian cinema a new direction through films such as ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Deewaar’ and ‘Sholay’. He said their writing helped popularise the “angry young man”.Meanwhile, Ashish Shelar said the Maharashtra government was working on new film cities at Ramtek in Nagpur and Nashik. He noted that Mumbai’s Film City, N D Studio and filming facilities in Kolhapur were already available.Rani Mukerji concluded her speech by reiterating her bond with Maharashtra and Mumbai.“When I said that Maharashtra is my birthplace and workplace, I am not saying that only for this award ceremony. I said it so firmly because I truly believe in those words. Mumbai has witnessed my childhood.Earlier, I was a little girl, then I became an actress, a wife, and now I am a mother. This city has given me so much and has given me the belief that one should never give up in life. I dedicate this award to all the people of Maharashtra, artists, technicians, directors and our film industry. This award will always have a special place in my heart. Because whenever I look at this award, I will always remember my Mumbai and my Maharashtra. Please continue to shower me with your love and blessings. Thank you so much! Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra!”
