Maharashtra State Film Awards 2023 To Honour Legends Of Cinema: Asha Parekh, N Chandra, Anuradha Paudwal

The Maharashtra State Film Awards will take place at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli on August 21. This event honours the Marathi film industry's heritage and creativity. Attendees will include Hon. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, and other dignitaries.

For the first time, the State Government will present both the 58th and 59th Maharashtra State Film Awards together. Veteran actor Shivaji Satam will receive the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to cinema. Asha Parekh will be honoured with the Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her enduring talent and grace.

The event will also honour writer-director-actor Digpal Lanjekar with the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award. N. Chandra will receive the Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award for his impactful vision in Indian cinema. These awards include cash prizes, citations, and beautifully crafted trophies.

Anuradha Paudwal's ethereal voice will be celebrated with the Lata Mangeshkar Award for 2024. Actress Rohini Hattangadi and singer Sudesh Bhosle will also be recognised for their contributions to cinema and music, highlighting their lasting influence in these fields.

The presence of notable leaders such as Hon. Members of Rajya Sabha Milind Deora and Imran Pratapgarhi, MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, along with various Legislative Council Members and MLAs, will enhance the grandeur of this occasion. Their attendance underscores the importance of this celebration in recognising artistic excellence.

Under the guidance of Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Government and Cultural Affairs Department, and Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director of Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation, this event is more than an awards ceremony. It is a convergence of history where past achievements meet future aspirations in Marathi cinema.

This year's ceremony promises to be a memorable evening that not only honours individual achievements but also celebrates the collective spirit of creativity within Maharashtra's vibrant film industry.