The Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony recently made history by hosting both the 58th and 59th awards on the same day, a remarkable first for the state government. The event took place on August 21st and saw the attendance of numerous prominent figures from the film industry, including Rohini Hattangadi, Anant Mahadevan, Siddharth Jadhav, Sudesh Bhosale, and Sonali Kulkarni. The awards were presented by Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Minister of Cultural Affairs.
Celebrating Cinema: Awardees of the Night
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary actor Shivaji Satyam, well-known for his role as ACP Pradyuman in the popular television series CID. Alongside him, the esteemed actress Asha Parekh was honored with the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. Asha Parekh expressed her joy at receiving the award by exclaiming “Jai Maharashtra,” reflecting on her deep connection to the state and its cultural heritage.
Asha Parekh: A Legacy of Hits
Asha Parekh’s illustrious career spans decades, during which she has delivered a plethora of blockbuster films that have defined Indian cinema. Some of her most memorable works include classics such as ‘Kati Patang’, ‘Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Teesri Manzil’, ‘Do Badan’, ‘Mere Sanam’, ‘Aaye Din Bahar Ke’, and ‘Mahal’. Her ability to mesmerize audiences with her exceptional acting skills has made her a household name, and she has collaborated with every major male star of her time, securing her place in the annals of history.
Awards Given in Recognition of Excellence
Special Contribution to Cinema
This year’s Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award was presented to Dhigpal Lanjekar, a distinguished writer, director, and actor, for his significant contributions to the industry. Meanwhile, the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award was conferred upon N. Chandra, celebrated for directing iconic films such as ‘Tezaab’, ‘Ankush’, ‘Narasimha’, and ‘Style’, each leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood.
Honoring Musical Legends
The event also recognized the contributions of renowned playback singer Anuradha Paudwal, who received the 2024 Lata Mangeshkar Award. Throughout her illustrious career, Anuradha has lent her melodious voice to an array of hit songs, including those from films like ‘Saathiya’, ‘Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin’, and ‘Aashiqui’. She began her film career with the hit film ‘Abhimaan’, which featured her singing a shloka for actress Jaya Bhadhuri. Emphasizing the significance of the Lata Mangeshkar Award, Anuradha expressed profound gratitude, viewing the late Lata Mangeshkar as her guiding force in the industry.
Other Notable Honorees
In addition to the aforementioned awardees, actress Rohini Hattangadi and singer Sudesh Bhosale were honored for their substantial contributions to cinema and music. Rohini is celebrated for her character roles and has delivered stellar performances in titles like ‘Gandhi’, ‘Saaransh’, ‘Phaans’, and ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.’, where she portrayed the role of Sunil Dutt’s wife.
A Night of Star-Studded Presence
The awards ceremony was held at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli, attended by notable figures from the Maharashtra government, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The event was a testament to the vibrant culture of Maharashtra, celebrating the artistic contributions of its film industry while also fostering a spirit of unity among various stakeholders in cinema.
A Glimpse of the Event
| Award | Recipient | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award | Shivaji Satam | For his impactful contribution to the Indian television industry. |
| Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award | Asha Parekh | For her unparalleled achievements in cinema. |
| Special Contribution Award | Dhigpal Lanjekar | Recognizing exceptional contributions in filmmaking. |
| Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award | N. Chandra | For his classic direction in Indian cinema. |
| Lata Mangeshkar Award | Anuradha Paudwal | Celebrating her remarkable singing career. |
| Contribution to Cinema | Rohini Hattangadi | Honoring her distinctive roles in films. |
| Contribution to Music | Sudesh Bhosale | For his influential presence in the music industry. |
