Some honours hit differently, and this one clearly did for Rani Mukerji. The actress was felicitated with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards, held at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, on September 9. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented her the award, with Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and several other dignitaries from the film fraternity present at the ceremony.
What made the moment stand out was Rani choosing to respond in Marathi, a small but telling gesture for someone who’s spent nearly three decades in the industry. “Majhyasathi Maharashtra fakt ek rajya nahi. Maharashtra majhi janmabhoomi aahe. Majhi karmabhoomi aahe. Ani majhya ayushyacha ek avibhajya bhaag aahe,” she said, essentially calling Maharashtra not just a state, but her birthplace, her karmabhoomi, and an inseparable part of her life.
She continued in English, reflecting on why the award felt personal in a way few others have. “I think that’s what makes this moment truly special for me since I’m receiving this recognition from my very own people and from the place I belong to. To receive an award named after the legend of Indian cinema Raj Kapoor ji is, in itself, hugely humbling. And I truly hope I can live up to this honour.”
Rani also spoke at length about her equation with the city itself. “Mumbai has given me my identity. It has given me an audience. It has given me a career. And it has been my home, my safe place, my everything. So, this award will hold a very special place in my heart because whenever I look at it, I will not just see an award. I will see my Mumbai, my Maharashtra.”
The actress, known for playing layered, resilient women in films like Black, Hichki, No One Killed Jessica and the Mardaani franchise, dedicated the award to the wider film fraternity. “So, with the deepest gratitude, I dedicate this award to Maharashtra. To its people. To its artists. To its technicians. To its filmmakers.”
Also Read: After 20 Years, Rani Mukerji And Abhishek Bachchan To Reunite On Screen In King?
By
By
