Announcement of the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, and Lata Mangeshkar Award

Honoring Mahesh Manjrekar, Anupam Kher, Kajol Devgan, Mukta Barve, and Bhimrao Panchale

Cultural Affairs Minister, Adv. Ashish Shelar Award distribution on April 25, 2025, in Mumbai

Mumbai : The Maharashtra Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs, headed by Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, announced the prestigious film awards. These include the Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award, Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award, and the Lata Mangeshkar Award. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Ministry.

The Chitrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award is given to those who have dedicated their lives to the Marathi film industry and have made outstanding contributions in acting, music, production, and direction. This year’s award will be conferred upon renowned actor, director, and producer Mahesh Manjrekar. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs, a memento, a certificate of honor, and a silver medal. The Chitrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award will be given to celebrated actress Mukta Barve, with a cash prize of Rs. 6 lakhs, a memento, a certificate, and a silver medal.

The Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have spent a long time contributing to the Hindi film industry, excelling in acting, music, production, and direction. This year’s award will be presented to renowned actor Anupam Kher. The Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award will be given to versatile actress Kajol Devgan. These two awards carry a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 6 lakhs respectively, along with a memento, certificate, and silver medal.

The Lata Mangeshkar Award, established in 1993, is given to artists who have made significant contributions to music. This year, the award will be conferred on veteran Marathi ghazal singer Bhimrao Panchale. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs, a memento, a certificate, and a shawl. A selection committee was formed at the government level to choose the recipients of the Lata Mangeshkar Award, with Cultural Affairs Minister as the chairperson, and five non-government members: Pt. Brijnarayan, Ashok Patki, Satyashil Deshpande, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, and Ambrish Mishra.

The awards will be distributed on April 25, 2025, at a grand ceremony at the NSCI Dome, Mumbai.

In addition, as part of the Constitution Amrit Mahotsav and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations, the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs will host a special musical tribute program on April 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Gateway of India, Mumbai.

Renowned artists such as Suresh Wadkar, Adarsh Shinde, Vaishali Samant, Urmila Dhangar, and Nandesh Umap will participate, with Subodh Bhave as the host. The program will feature songs, dramatic pieces, and dances based on the life of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The event is open to all, with entry tickets available at Shivaji Natya Mandir and Ravindra Natya Mandir on a first-come-first-serve basis, as informed by Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Shelar during the press conference.