In an unprecedented move, the State Government is set to bestow the illustrious 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards simultaneously this year. The grandeur and significance of this event will be amplified by the presence of luminaries from the worlds of cinema and governance at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli. This historic occasion promises to be a resplendent night, celebrating the crème de la crème of the Marathi film industry and honoring the legacies of its distinguished contributors.
Maharashtra State Film Awards 2024
Against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai, the heartbeat of India’s film industry, the Maharashtra State Film Awards will take center stage on August 21. This event goes beyond a mere celebration—it’s an homage to the rich and diverse tapestry of the Marathi cinema, where age-old traditions seamlessly mesh with modern innovations under the spotlight of well-deserved accolades.
This year’s ceremony will be monumental, witnessing a galaxy of cultural giants gathered at the invitation of Hon. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The event will also see the esteemed presence of Hon. Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Hon. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, along with a prestigious lineup of dignitaries including Hon. Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Hon. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and Hon. Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Each of these prominent figures will add to the evening’s luminous aura, reflecting the collaborative spirit of governmental support for the arts and culture.
In a landmark first, the State Government will honor both the 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards in one grand celebration. This spectacular evening will pay tribute to two pillars of Indian cinema: Shivaji Satam, who will be bestowed with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the cinematic arts. Alongside him, the timeless Asha Parekh, a paragon of grace and enduring talent, will receive the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award.
. These accolades, adorned with substantial cash prizes, citations, and meticulously crafted trophies, signify not just recognition but a venerable celebration of lives dedicated to artistic excellence.
The evening will also cast a spotlight on the architects of cinematic storytelling. Writer, director, and actor Digpal Lanjekar will be honored with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award, celebrating his multidimensional impact on narrative arts. Similarly, the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award will be presented to the versatile N. Chandra, whose visionary works have left an indelible imprint on Indian cinema.
The evening’s symphony of accolades will resonate with the celebration of the ethereal voice of Anuradha Paudwal, who will be honored with the Lata Mangeshkar Award for 2024. This award highlights her significant role in weaving melodies into the cultural fabric of the nation. In addition, actress Rohini Hattangadi and singer Sudesh Bhosle will be recognized for their contributions to cinema and music, their works echoing through time as testament to their enduring legacies.
The golden lights of the Dome SVP Stadium will illuminate this night of reverence and reflection, further enriched by the presence of notable leaders and visionaries. Among the distinguished gathering will be Hon. Members of Rajya Sabha Milind Deora and Imran Pratapgarhi, Hon. MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, in addition to various members of the Legislative Council and MLAs. Their presence will elevate the evening’s grandeur, echoing the collective pride in celebrating the pinnacle of Marathi cinema.
Under the able guidance of Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Government and Cultural Affairs Department, along with Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director of the Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation, the Maharashtra State Film Awards are far more than a ceremonial event. They are a grand gathering of history, an evening where the past, present, and future of Marathi cinema come together in a vibrant celebration of creativity, passion, and unyielding spirit.
As Mumbai prepares to roll out the red carpet for this landmark event, the anticipation builds to witness an evening where legends will be celebrated, milestones honored, and the bright future of Marathi cinema envisioned. August 21 promises to be a night where the brilliance of artistry and the dignity of achievement will come alive, casting a lasting glow on the cultural landscape of Maharashtra.
