The 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards celebrated the pinnacle of Marathi cinema, with Rani Mukerji and Salim Khan receiving prestigious honors. The film 'Sthal' emerged as the night's biggest winner with six awards.
- Rani Mukerji received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award.
- Salim Khan was honored with the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, accepted by Helen.
- The film 'Sthal' dominated the event, winning a total of six awards.
- Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar was conferred with the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards, held on September 9, 2026, at the Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, served as a grand celebration of Marathi cinema's achievements in 2024. The ceremony recognized the brilliance of actors, directors, writers, and technicians who have contributed to the rich tapestry of regional storytelling. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presided over the event and presented the accolades.
A poignant highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran screenwriter Salim Khan. In his absence, the award was accepted by his wife, the legendary actor Helen. Speaking to the press, Helen expressed Salim Khan's gratitude toward his followers and fans, noting that his health remains strong and he sends his best wishes to the people of Maharashtra and India.
Adding to the star power, Rani Mukerji was honored with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. In an emotional speech delivered in Marathi, Mukerji emphasized the significance of being recognized by her own people in the place she calls home. She dedicated the honor to the entire film fraternity of Maharashtra, including the technicians and storytellers who paved the way for future generations.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the integration of Bollywood icons like Rani Mukerji and Salim Khan into the state awards underscores the symbiotic relationship between the Marathi and Hindi film industries. By honoring legends under the banners of Raj Kapoor and V. Shantaram, the state government reinforces the historical legacy of Indian cinema while encouraging contemporary regional growth.
"The convergence of regional and national cinematic icons at such forums validates the growing influence of content-driven regional cinema on the global stage."
In terms of competitive categories, 'Chabila' secured the Best Feature Film award, while 'Sthal' became the most decorated film of the night with six wins. The event also saw Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Prasad Oak receiving the prestigious V. Shantaram awards for their lifelong dedication to music and cinema.
| Category | Winner | Film/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Best Film I | Chabila | - |
| Best Film II | Gharat Ganpati | - |
| Best Film III | Nach Ga Ghuma | - |
| Best Social Film | Sthal | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which film won the most awards at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards?
The film 'Sthal' was the biggest winner, securing a total of six awards.
2. Who accepted the award on behalf of Salim Khan?
Veteran actor Helen accepted the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her husband, Salim Khan.
