Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan bags top Maharashtra film honour
Legendary screenwriter Salim Khan received the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards in Mumbai. His wife, iconic actor Helen, accepted this top prize on his behalf during Wednesday's ceremony. She conveyed his deep appreciation to fans and the state government for their enduring support.
Speaking briefly with reporters at the venue, Helen confirmed her husband remains in good health. "I am grateful for this award for Salim sahab," she stated. She relayed his personal message, noting he sends his best wishes to everyone in Maharashtra and across India. Helen also warmly remarked that every film he wrote remains her absolute favorite. Decades ago, Khan fundamentally reshaped Indian commercial cinema by co-creating gritty, realistic hero narratives that defined an entire era of filmmaking.
State Government Honors Cinema Icons
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar shared specific details about the 62nd edition of the Marathi Film Awards, hosted at Ravindra Natya Mandir. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis distributed the highest prizes to the winners. Organizers aligned this year's event with the 125th birth anniversary of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. Consequently, Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar took home the Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, while Prasad Oak secured the Special Contribution prize in that same category.
Rani Mukerji Earns Special Contribution Prize
Rani Mukerji also stepped onto the stage to accept the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. Receiving recognition from her home state made the experience deeply emotional for the actor. She called it hugely humbling to hold a trophy bearing Raj Kapoor's name. Mukerji dedicated her victory to Maharashtra's people, local technicians, and past generations of storytellers who paved the way for young girls to dream in the film industry.
