In an unprecedented move, the State Government is set to honor the brilliance of Marathi cinema by simultaneously awarding the 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards. The eagerly anticipated event will illuminate the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli on the evening of August 21, uniting the industry’s stalwarts and celebrating their outstanding contributions.
Against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai, the heart of Indian filmmaking, the awards ceremony is much more than a mere event. It represents the rich tapestry of the Marathi film sector where time-honored traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge innovation. The celebration will be graced by Hon. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Hon. Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Hon. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, and a distinguished assembly of dignitaries includng Hon. Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Hon. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and Hon. Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Their presence will add to the evening’s splendor and to the grandeur of an event that showcases the dynamism and passion inherent in Marathi cinema.
A historic first, this year will see the State Government bestowing both the 58th and 59th awards in one sweeping ceremony, adding layers of significance to the evening. A remarkable dual celebration awaits, centered around two luminaries of Indian cinema: veteran actor Shivaji Satam and the enchanting Asha Parekh. Satam, with an illustrious career carved out in the realms of theatre and cinema, will be honored with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award. This award marks a tribute to his unparalleled contribution to the silver screen, making him a revered figure in the industry. Gleaming alongside him, Asha Parekh, an embodiment of grace and timeless talent, will receive the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award.
. These coveted accolades come with substantial cash prizes, commemorative citations, and beautifully crafted trophies, symbolizing a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence.
The ceremony will also celebrate the architects of the cinematic narrative. Writer-director-actor Digpal Lanjekar will be recognized with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award for his pivotal role in storytelling, while the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award will go to the versatile N. Chandra, whose vision and innovation have left a lasting imprint on Indian cinema.
Further enriching the evening’s accolades, the Lata Mangeshkar Award for 2024 will be presented to the extraordinary Anuradha Paudwal. Her ethereal voice has left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural fabric, making her a beloved figure in Indian music. The ceremony will also honor actress Rohini Hattangadi and singer Sudesh Bhosle for their substantial contributions to film and music, underscoring their enduring influence on the industry.
As the golden lights of the Dome SVP Stadium cast a majestic glow on this night of reverence, the presence of esteemed leaders and visionaries like the Hon. Members of Rajya Sabha Milind Deora and Imran Pratapgarhi, Hon. MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, and an array of Legislative Council Members and MLAs will further elevate the evening’s prestige. Their involvement exemplifies a collective endorsement of the tremendous value and impact that the arts have on society.
Under the meticulous planning and guidance of Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra Government and Cultural Affairs Department, and Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director of Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation, the Maharashtra State Film Awards stands as more than an awards ceremony. It is a historic gathering where the past, present, and future of Marathi cinema intersect, celebrating boundless creativity, unwavering passion, and a spirit that refuses to wane.
This year’s amalgamation of the 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards will undoubtedly be the highlight of the cinematic calendar, promising to capture both hearts and headlines. As honorees, dignitaries, and cinema enthusiasts converge at the Dome SVP Stadium, they will bear witness to an event that is as much about honoring artistic achievements as it is about fostering a deep-seated love for the cinematic arts.
In essence, the Maharashtra State Film Awards 2024 is set to be a grand celebration, not just of individual brilliance but of the collective spirit that makes Marathi cinema a cornerstone of India’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.
