Rani Mukerji honoured at Maharashtra State Film Awards
Rani Mukerji added another memorable achievement to her celebrated career after receiving the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards in Mumbai. The recognition came as the actress completed three decades in Indian cinema, making the moment especially significant for her and her admirers.
The ceremony brought together well-known personalities from Marathi and Hindi cinema. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar presented honours to the award recipients.
Rani attended the ceremony in a traditional green sari with a broad red border, complemented by green bangles, a mangalsutra and flowers in her hair. However, it was her emotional Marathi speech that became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.
Rani Mukerji Marathi speech reflects her Mumbai connection
While accepting the honour, Rani spoke warmly about her lifelong connection with Maharashtra and Mumbai. She described Mumbai as much more than her birthplace, explaining that the city shaped both her personal journey and her career in cinema.
The actress reflected on growing up in Mumbai and learning valuable lessons about life and the film industry. She also acknowledged that her career has included both success and failure, experiences that helped shape the person and performer she is today.
Rani recalled entering the entertainment industry at a young age and continuing to work with dedication through different stages of her career. She said cinema has always been a way for her to understand people and connect with audiences.
The actress also spoke about her journey from being a young girl in Mumbai to becoming an actress, wife and mother. According to Rani, the city gave her the strength to keep moving forward and taught her not to give up during difficult times.
Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award marks 30 years in cinema
The Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award arrived at an important milestone in Rani Mukerji's career as she completed 30 years in cinema. Over the decades, she has appeared in a wide range of films and built a reputation for taking on emotionally demanding and diverse roles.
Rani dedicated the honour to the people of Maharashtra as well as the artists, directors, technicians and professionals who contribute to the film industry. She said the award would always remind her of Mumbai, Maharashtra and the people who supported her throughout her journey.
During the event, Devendra Fadnavis also spoke about the importance of Marathi cinema and theatre. He said the Maharashtra government was working on measures aimed at making more cinema halls available for Marathi films.
Several other prominent personalities were also recognised during the ceremony. Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, musician Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar and actor-director Prasad Oak were among those honoured.
For Rani Mukerji, however, the evening was deeply personal. Receiving recognition in the city where she was born, raised and built her career turned the Maharashtra State Film Awards honour into a celebration not only of her professional achievements but also of her lasting relationship with Mumbai and Maharashtra.
