Marathi Film Industry is Maharashtra’s Pride – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards Ceremony

Mumbai, Aug 2025 : The Marathi film industry, theatre, and artists are the pride of Maharashtra. The seed sown by Dadasaheb Phalke through his film “Raja Harishchandra” has now blossomed into a grand banyan tree, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

He was speaking at the Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards Ceremony, which included the presentation of the Lata Mangeshkar Award 2025, Chitrapati Late V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement and Special Contribution Awards, Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement and Special Contribution Awards, and the first Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Heritage Award 2025. The event was organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation, and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, held at SVP Stadium Dome, Worli.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the Marathi theatre is the finest in the world. Marathi artists have significantly contributed across various platforms like television, cinema, and OTT. The state government is committed to honoring not just the artists but also those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. He assured that the government firmly stands behind the Marathi film and cultural fraternity.

Praising Anupam Kher’s versatile acting, Fadnavis remarked, “Kher, who portrayed a 70-year-old in his debut film, continues to perform with the same enthusiasm today.”

He also lauded Mukta Barve’s 360-degree acting talent, especially her monologue in ‘Char Chaughi’, and appreciated Mahesh Manjrekar’s powerful acting and direction. Referring to Ghazal maestro Bhimrao Panchale, Fadnavis said, “The duo of Suresh Bhat and Bhimrao Panchale elevated Marathi Ghazals to unprecedented heights.”

Speaking about the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Heritage Award, Fadnavis said, “Securing global heritage status in Shivaji Maharaj’s name is a historic and proud moment for Maharashtra.”

Expressing confidence, he said, “The Marathi film industry is our pride, and I believe it will continue to prosper in the future.”

Filming in Mumbai Locations Now Free of Charge
Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar announced that filming at any location in Mumbai will now be permitted free of charge. Additionally, efforts are being made to provide facilities at affordable rates across film production sites in the state.

To promote Marathi films on a global platform, an international-standard Marathi Film Festival will be organized at Ravindra Natya Mandir. Discussions with FM radio channels are ongoing to allocate specific time slots for Marathi songs and programs, and an award scheme for the same has been announced.

He also shared that during his U.S. visit, he requested Netflix’s Los Angeles headquarters to feature Marathi films. “We are working step by step to secure rightful recognition for Marathi cinema, theatres, and producers,” Shelar added.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis presented the “Gansamragyi Lata Mangeshkar Award 2025” to Ghazal singer Bhimrao Panchale, the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award 2024 to Padma Shri Kajol Devgan, the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 to Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, the V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award 2024 to actress Mukta Barve, and the V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 to filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar.

For the first time, the “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Heritage Award 2025” was presented to India’s permanent representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Vishal Sharma. Similarly, Umesh Zirpe, President of the Akhil Maharashtra Mountaineering Federation, Executive President Rishikesh Yadav, and fort researcher Madhav Phadke were honored for their efforts in preserving Shivaji Maharaj’s forts.

The 60th and 61st Diamond Jubilee Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards were also distributed during the event.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Minister of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of State Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, Secretary of Cultural Affairs Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, Film City Managing Director Swati Mhase-Patil, Director of Cultural Affairs Vibhishan Chavare, Director of Archaeology and Museums Dr. Tejas Garge, prominent personalities from the film industry, art enthusiasts, and a large audience.

The Diamond Jubilee Souvenir was also released on this occasion.