State Honours Excellence in Cinema at the Maharashtra Marathi Film Awards Ceremony
Mumbai, August 5 2025 ( TGN ) – “The Marathi film industry, theatre and artists are the pride of Maharashtra. What began as a seed with Dadasaheb Phalke’s film Raja Harishchandra has now grown into a vast tree,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He was speaking at the prestigious award ceremony jointly organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation Ltd. and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs. The ceremony took place at SVP Stadium, Worli, where the Gaan Samragyi Lata Mangeshkar Award 2025, Chitrapati Late V. Shantaram and Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement and Special Contribution Awards, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj legacy Award 2025 and the 60th and 61st Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards were presented.
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated, “Marathi theatre is among the finest in the world. From television and cinema to OTT platforms, Marathi artists have delivered exceptional performances. Not only the performers but also the technicians and crew behind the scenes deserve heartfelt recognition. This is the Maharashtra Government’s firm commitment to stand strongly behind the industry.”
While honouring the versatile actor Anupam Kher, the Chief Minister remarked, “He played the role of a 70 year old man in his debut film and still continues to perform with the same energy and passion.”
He also praised Mukta Barve for her 360 degree acting skills, especially her powerful monologue in Char Choughi and lauded Mahesh Manjrekar for his impactful work as both actor and director. Referring to ghazal singer Bhimrao Panchale, Mr. Fadnavis said, “The duo of Suresh Bhat and Bhimrao Panchale elevated Marathi ghazals to an unforgettable height.”
Speaking about cultural pride, he stated, “Achieving global heritage recognition in the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a historic and proud moment for Maharashtra.”
He concluded by saying, “The Marathi film industry is our pride and I am confident it will continue to prosper in the future.”
*Free Filming Permission Across Mumbai – Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar*
Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar announced that filming permits at any location in Mumbai will now be issued free of charge. Additionally, affordable infrastructure will be made available at various film production sites across the state.
He also shared that an international standard Marathi Film Festival has been organized at Ravindra Natya Mandir to promote Marathi cinema globally. Discussions are ongoing with FM radio stations to reserve specific time slots for Marathi songs and programs for which an incentive based award scheme has also been introduced.
During his visit to the USA, Shelar met officials at Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles, where he urged them to provide a dedicated platform for Marathi cinema. “We are working in a phased manner to ensure that Marathi cinema, film theatres and filmmakers get the rightful recognition and space they deserve,” he said.
At the award ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis presented the following awards:
• Ghazal maestro Bhimrao Panchale received the Gaan Samragyi Lata Mangeshkar Award 2025.
• Padma Shri Kajol Devgan was honoured with the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award 2024.
• Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher received the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
• Actress Mukta Barve was honoured with the Chitrapati Late V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award 2024.
• Producer-director Mahesh Manjrekar received the Chitrapati Late V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
This year also marked the inaugural presentation of the “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Legacy Award 2025”, which was presented by Chief Minister Fadnavis to India’s UNESCO Representative and Ambassador Vishal Sharma.
Additionally, individuals and organizations working toward the preservation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts were honoured, including:
• Umesh Zirpe, President, Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh
• Rishikesh Yadav, Executive President
• Madhav Phadke, Fort Conservationist
The 60th and 61st Diamond Jubilee Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards were also distributed at this grand function.
The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Minister for Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of State Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, Secretary of Cultural Affairs Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Managing Director of Film City Swati Mhase-Patil, Director of Cultural Affairs Vibhishan Chavare and Director of Archaeology and Museums Dr. Tejas Garge, along with leading film personalities, art enthusiasts and a large audience.
A special commemorative souvenir was also released to mark the Diamond Jubilee celebration.
