Rani Mukerji, Salim Khan Honored With Raj Kapoor Awards

MUMBAI-Actress Rani Mukerji and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan were honored with the prestigious Raj Kapoor awards at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony held in Mumbai on September 9.

Rani received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

Accepting the honor, Rani spoke about her deep connection with Maharashtra and Mumbai, describing the state as her birthplace, the place where she built her career and an inseparable part of her life.

She said Mumbai had given her an identity, an audience and a career, while also becoming her home and safe place. She added that the award would always remind her of the city and the state.

Known for portraying strong female characters, Rani also spoke about her approach to cinema.

“I have always silently worked to represent the powerful girls and women of India through cinema that has its heart in the right place,” she said.

She said she chose characters she was instinctively drawn to because of their stories, journeys and resilience, particularly women who had courage and flaws and refused to disappear into the background.

“I have never considered cinema merely a profession. For me, cinema is a deep emotion. And Maharashtra is the home of that emotion,” she said.

Salim Khan was honored with the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema. His wife, veteran actress Helen, accepted the honor on his behalf.

Speaking after the ceremony, Helen said the award was a special moment for Salim Khan and expressed gratitude to those who have continued to love and support him.

She said Salim Khan was thankful for the recognition and sent his good wishes to Maharashtra and India. Helen also said his health was good and described him as a strong man.

Salim Khan is one of the most influential screenwriters in Hindi cinema. Along with Javed Akhtar, he co-wrote several landmark films, including ‘Zanjeer,’ ‘Deewaar,’ ‘Sholay,’ ‘Don,’ ‘Trishul’ and ‘Dostana.’ (IANS)