India’s First Creative and Cultural Maharashtra Radio Festival to be Held in Mumbai – Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

Asha Radio Awards to Be Presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 21

Mumbai – To mark World Music Day on June 21, the Department of Cultural Affairs is set to host the country’s first creative and cultural Maharashtra Radio Festival along with the Maharashtra Asha Radio Awards 2025, announced Minister of Cultural Affairs Adv. Ashish Shelar at a press conference. The award ceremony will take place at Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Mumbai, at 4:30 PM, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attending as the chief guest to present 12 radio awards.

A New Platform for Marathi Language and Artists

Calling the event a historic initiative to honor the radio industry, Shelar said radio has played a vital role in preserving Maharashtra’s cultural and historical heritage. From capturing expert interviews to covering events from India’s independence to the formation of Maharashtra, radio has remained a steadfast witness. State-run All India Radio (AIR) and later private FM and community radio stations have all played significant roles in this journey.

These awards aim to encourage creative and enterprising radio channels that preserve Marathi music, classical traditions, and culture. The festival also provides a platform for Marathi radio presenters, actors, musicians, lyricists, writers, editors, and technicians to showcase their work and contribute to preserving Marathi art, literature, and culture. Special emphasis will be given to radio stations that go beyond entertainment and contribute meaningfully to awareness, education, and social consciousness.

Maharashtra Asha Radio Awards – Honoring Excellence in Broadcasting

Among the 12 awards, the most prestigious—the Asha Radio Lifetime Achievement Award—is named after music legend Asha Bhosale, who holds the title Maharashtra Bhushan for her immense contribution to Indian music.

Other awards include:

• Asha Best Radio Station Award
• Asha Best Community Radio Station
• Asha Best Radio Entertainment Program
• Asha Best Radio Social Program
• Asha Best Male Radio Presenter
• Asha Best Female Radio Presenter
• Asha Best Newcomer Radio Presenter
• Asha Best Marathi Presenter
• Asha Best Program for Social Responsibility
• Asha Best Marathi Program for Social Responsibility
• Asha Best Storytelling Program

Except for the Lifetime Achievement Award, the remaining awards will be announced through nominations. Radio stations, artists, and technicians must submit required information in the prescribed format to the Directorate of Information. Each award will include a trophy, shawl, and a gift. Winners will be selected by a panel of expert government-appointed artists, technicians, and scholars from the radio industry.

Celebrations Featuring Top Performers and Film Songs

During the award ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis will interact with radio presenters. The second half of the event will feature musical performances, stories, and conversations focused on radio-themed songs from movies and radio-related anecdotes, presented by acclaimed artists such as Sudesh Bhosale, Shrikant Narayan, and Sanjeevani Bhelande. Veteran journalist Ambarish Mishra will host the event. Entry is free, and passes will be available at the Directorate of Cultural Affairs from June 19. Minister Shelar urged all radio lovers and enthusiasts to attend and enjoy the event.

Radio’s Enduring Legacy

All India Radio (AIR), India’s first public broadcaster, began operations in 1927 and has significantly contributed to the country’s economic, social, and cultural development. Known as a powerful tool for public communication, AIR has nurtured countless artists and preserved various art forms. Even in the age of digital media, AIR remains relevant and popular, especially in rural areas.

Today, Maharashtra boasts:

• 28 AIR stations
• 16 FM stations
• 54 community radio stations
• Private channels such as Radio City, Radio One, Magic FM, My FM, and Tomato FM

Several organizations also run their own community radio stations.

Promoting Marathi Language and Artists

This Radio Festival is expected to give a major boost to the promotion of the Marathi language, especially as some awards are reserved for Marathi content creators. With Marathi recently gaining the status of a Classical Language, the recognition becomes even more significant. FM and community radio stations have played a notable role in popularizing the Marathi language and in building the careers of many Marathi artists.

Minister Shelar concluded by saying that this festival aims not only to recognize the strength and relevance of radio but also to utilize it as a medium to promote government initiatives and cultural programs across Maharashtra.