In an unprecedented move, the State Government of Maharashtra will simultaneously present the 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards. The grand event will take place on the evening of August 21, at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli, the beating heart of Mumbai’s cinematic culture. This year’s awards ceremony promises to be a dazzling confluence of tradition and innovation, paying homage to the very best of the Marathi film industry.
Presided over by Hon. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the ceremony will see the august presence of Hon. Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Hon. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, and many other distinguished guests. They include Hon. Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Hon. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and Hon. Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha, contributing to an evening filled with charm and reverence.
In this remarkable first, the awards will shine a spotlight on two legends of Indian cinema. Veteran actor Shivaji Satam will be conferred with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his monumental contributions to the film industry. Alongside him, the iconic Asha Parekh will be honored with the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to her unparalleled talent and grace. These prestigious accolades come along with significant cash prizes, citations, and exquisitely crafted trophies, embodying a lifetime’s pursuit of artistic excellence.
The event will also honor the unsung heroes behind the scenes. Writer-director-actor Digpal Lanjekar will receive the Chitrapati V.
. Shantaram Special Contribution Award, while the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award will be bestowed upon the versatile filmmaker N. Chandra, whose works have significantly enriched Indian cinema.
Adding to this constellation of stars, the Lata Mangeshkar Award for 2024 will be given to the mellifluous Anuradha Paudwal. Her musical contributions have become an indelible part of India’s cultural fabric. Legendary actress Rohini Hattangadi and singer Sudesh Bhosle will also be recognized for their remarkable contributions to cinema and music, their work resonating through the hall like echoes of lasting influence.
As the golden lights of the Dome SVP Stadium illuminate this night of reverence and reflection, the occasion will be further graced by the presence of eminent leaders and visionaries. Notable attendees will include Hon. Members of Rajya Sabha Milind Deora and Imran Pratapgarhi, Hon. MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, along with an array of Legislative Council Members and MLAs. Their presence will undoubtedly amplify the grandeur of the evening.
The Maharashtra State Film Awards is guided and orchestrated under the able leadership of Vikas Kharge, Addl Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Government and Cultural Affairs Department, and Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director of Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation. This event is not merely an awards ceremony; it is a historical gathering, a night where the past, present, and future of Marathi cinema converge in a unified celebration of creativity, passion, and the indomitable spirit of artistic pursuit.
As the evening unfolds, one cannot help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for the Marathi film industry, which has continuously pushed the boundaries of storytelling through its captivating narratives and compelling performances. The event stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and commitment of the artists who have shaped Marathi cinema into what it is today.
With every award presented and every speech made, the Maharashtra State Film Awards 2024 will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who attend and witness this magnificent celebration of cinema. It will be a night to remember, a night where legends are celebrated, and a night where the legacy of Marathi cinema is honored.
In these glittering moments, when the silver screen icons share the stage with the architects of storytelling, the Maharashtra State Film Awards 2024 will reaffirm the rich cultural legacy and the boundless potential of the Marathi film industry. The double celebration is not just an acknowledgment of exemplary artistic achievements but a tribute to the enduring spirit that defines Maharashtra’s vibrant cinematic landscape.
