Mumbai sparkled on Tuesday night, hosting the prestigious Maharashtra State Film Awards. It was a grand celebration, bringing together some of the biggest names in entertainment. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event, honoring many beloved figures from film and music.
The evening was packed with exciting moments as artists received their well-deserved accolades. Among the first to be celebrated was the legendary ghazal singer, Bhimrao Panchale. He was recognized for his incredible contributions to music, receiving the esteemed Lata Mangeshkar Award.
Honoring Stars Across Categories
Many well-known artists were honored with different awards. Filmmaker and actor Mahesh Manjrekar received the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award. This was a fitting tribute to his long and impactful career in cinema. Actress Mukta Barve also took home a special honor. She was given the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award for her strong presence in Marathi cinema.
Bollywood royalty also graced the stage. Veteran actor Anupam Kher earned the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. His storied career and powerful performances have truly touched many hearts. And the ever-charming actress Kajol received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. This honored her significant and memorable work in films.
Chief Minister Praises Artists
All the awards were presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During his speech, he spoke warmly about the artists. He openly praised their hard work and dedication. The Chief Minister highlighted their immense contributions to both cinema and music.
The night also saw a unique recognition for cultural promotion. Vishal Sharma, who serves as India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, received the 2025 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Heritage Award. This award celebrated his efforts to promote India’s rich cultural heritage on a global stage. This honor came just after an exciting announcement from UNESCO. Twelve forts and military landscapes linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were recently added to their World Heritage list. It marks a huge win for preserving important historical sites.