In a historic move, the Maharashtra State Government is set to present the 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards simultaneously, marking a grand celebration of Marathi cinema at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli on the evening of August 21, 2024. This dual ceremony is not just an awards night but a convergence of tradition, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of the Marathi film industry.
The night promises to be a dazzling affair, graced by Maharashtra’s most celebrated cultural icons and attended by high-ranking officials, including Hon. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The esteemed presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Speaker of the Assembly Rahul Narvekar, along with distinguished dignitaries like Hon. Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha, will further elevate the grandeur of the occasion.
In a significant first, the awards for two consecutive years will be presented on the same evening. This historic gesture underscores the importance of these awards, which are beacons of artistic excellence in Marathi cinema. The highlight of the evening will be the conferral of two distinguished lifetime achievement awards, celebrating the careers of two titans of Indian cinema.
Veteran actor Shivaji Satam will be honoured with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award. A name synonymous with versatility and unparalleled acting prowess, Satam’s contribution to the silver screen is indelible. Alongside him, the legendary Asha Parekh, whose career has been marked by grace and an enduring talent, will receive the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards, accompanied by significant cash prizes, citations, and exquisitely crafted trophies, symbolize a lifetime dedicated to the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
The ceremony will also pay tribute to the behind-the-scenes maestros who craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Writer-director-actor Digpal Lanjekar will be lauded with the Chitrapati V.
. Shantaram Special Contribution Award for his exceptional work in storytelling. Similarly, the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award will be presented to N. Chandra, whose visionary direction has left a profound impact on Indian cinema.
Adding a melodious note to the evening, the ethereal voice of Anuradha Paudwal will be celebrated with the Lata Mangeshkar Award for 2024. This award is a fitting tribute to a singer whose melodies have deeply interwoven with the cultural fabric of the nation. Actress Rohini Hattangadi and singer Sudesh Bhosle will also be honoured for their remarkable contributions to cinema and music, further underscoring the breadth of talent celebrated at this prestigious event.
The Dome SVP Stadium will glitter with golden lights, illuminating a night of reverence and reflection. The presence of notable leaders and visionaries, including Hon. Members of Rajya Sabha Milind Deora and Imran Pratapgarhi, Hon. MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, along with various Legislative Council Members and MLAs, will punctuate the importance of this annual spectacle.
The awards ceremony, orchestrated under the able guidance of Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Government and Cultural Affairs Department, and Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director of Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation, is more than just an event; it is a historical gathering. It is a night where the past, present, and future of Marathi cinema converge in a celebration of creativity, passion, and unyielding spirit.
As the stage is set for this extraordinary confluence, the Maharashtra State Film Awards 2024 reaffirms its role as a touchstone for excellence in the Marathi film industry. The simultaneous celebration of the 58th and 59th awards not only commemorates the historical achievements of the past but also sets a benchmark for future generations of filmmakers, actors, musicians, and storytellers.
The anticipation surrounding this landmark evening is palpable, as it promises to bring together the best of Maharashtra’s rich cinematic heritage, celebrated under one roof. The dual honors to be bestowed on Shivaji Satam and Asha Parekh will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of a night dedicated to the relentless pursuit of artistic brilliance.
