The 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony, held on September 9, 2026, at the Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, celebrated some of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the prestigious Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award to actor Rani Mukerji, recognizing her decades-long career and her deep-rooted connection to the state of Maharashtra. The ceremony was attended by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar alongside prominent members of the film fraternity.
The annual state-backed awards ceremony serves as a major platform to honor artistic excellence and the historical legacy of cinema in Maharashtra. This year's event carried added historical significance, aligning with a major milestone in Indian film history and drawing attention to the collaborative efforts of actors, writers, and musicians who have shaped the country's cultural landscape from its entertainment capital, Mumbai.
Honoring the Legacy of Raj Kapoor and V. Shantaram
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar explained that the 62nd edition of the awards coincided with the 125th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. To mark this occasion, the state government presented both the Chhatrapati V. Shantaram awards and the Raj Kapoor awards to distinguished personalities who have made enduring contributions to the cinematic arts.
Among the night's other major honorees, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan was awarded the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. The Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the revered musician Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, while actor and director Prasad Oak received the Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award.
Rani Mukerji on Her Roots and Identity in Maharashtra
Accepting the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award, Rani Mukerji, who was born and raised in Mumbai, expressed profound gratitude to the state that has been the foundation of her life and career. She emphasized that receiving an award named after Raj Kapoor from her home state was a deeply humbling experience that carried personal significance beyond standard industry accolades.
Speaking in Marathi to express her deep bond with the region, Mukerji said, "Majhyasathi Maharashtra fakt ek rajya nahi. Maharashtra majhi janmabhoomi aahe. Majhi karmabhoomi aahe. Ani majhya ayushyacha ek avibhajya bhaag aahe." She translated the sentiment by explaining that Maharashtra is not merely a state to her, but her birthplace, the land where she built her career, and an inseparable part of her life.
She further elaborated on the role Mumbai has played in shaping her journey over nearly three decades in the film industry. "Mumbai has given me my identity. It has given me an audience. It has given me a career. And it has been my home, my safe place, my everything," Mukerji said. "So this award will hold a very special place in my heart because whenever I look at it, I will not just see an award. I will see my Mumbai, my Maharashtra."
A Career Built on Resilient Female Characters
Throughout her career, Mukerji has been recognized for portraying complex, strong-willed women in critically acclaimed films such as Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise, and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Reflecting on her filmography, she noted that her choice of roles has always been guided by an intentional desire to depict the strength and resilience of Indian women.
"I have always silently worked to represent the powerful girls and women of India through cinema that has its heart in the right place," Mukerji stated during her acceptance speech. She explained that she has consistently avoided passive roles in favor of characters who possess realistic human complexities and determination.
"I chose characters that felt truthful, that I felt instinctively drawn towards for their story, their journey and their resilience," she added. "Characters who had courage. Characters who had flaws. Characters who refused to disappear into the background. Women who were never waiting for someone else to rescue them."
Dedication to the Unsung Storytellers of Indian Cinema
Mukerji also used her platform to highlight the collective effort required to sustain the film industry, acknowledging that cinema is a collaborative medium dependent on thousands of off-screen workers. She described cinema as a "deep emotion" and declared Maharashtra to be the true home of that emotion.
"There are thousands and thousands of people here who wake up every morning with one dream: to tell a story," Mukerji remarked, pointing out the reach of Mumbai-based cinema. "And those stories don't remain here. They travel from Mumbai to Maharashtra, from Maharashtra to India and from India to the entire world. That is the magic and power of the film industry that thrives in this state."
In a gesture of appreciation for the broader film community, she dedicated her award to the diverse workforce that drives the state's film sector. "So, with the deepest gratitude, I dedicate this award to Maharashtra. To its people. To its artists. To its technicians. To its filmmakers. To the entire film fraternity that calls this beautiful state home. And to the generations of storytellers who came before us and made it possible for a girl like me to dream," she said.
Helen Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award for Salim Khan
The ceremony also celebrated the monumental legacy of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, who was honored with the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. Due to his absence, the award was accepted on his behalf by his wife, the legendary actor Helen, who shared his message of appreciation with the gathered audience and media.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Helen expressed immense gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon her husband, whose screenwriting partnership with Javed Akhtar revolutionized Hindi cinema in the 1970s and 1980s. Helen assured well-wishers that Salim Khan remains in excellent health and continues to appreciate the enduring support of his audience.
"I am grateful for this award for Salim sahab," Helen said. "He says thank you very much to all you lovely people who have been trailing him and following him, and he thanks you. All his films are my favourite. His health is very good. He is a very strong man, and he sends his good wishes to all of you, to entire Maharashtra and India too."
State Support for Maharashtra's Cinematic Heritage
The presentation of these awards by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar underscores the state government's ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting Maharashtra's rich cinematic heritage. By honoring both veteran screenwriters like Salim Khan and contemporary actors like Rani Mukerji, the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards highlighted the historical continuity of Mumbai as the creative and economic engine of Indian cinema. The state's cultural department has indicated that future editions will continue to expand recognition for technical and behind-the-scenes artists who sustain the region's massive entertainment ecosystem.
