At the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony, which took place at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, renowned actress Rani Mukerji received the coveted Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award.

Honorable Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis presented the award to Rani Mukerji in front of Honorable Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, notable Maharashtra government officials, dignitaries, and members of the film industry.

For an artist whose cinematic journey is woven into the very fabric of Indian culture, receiving recognition at home is a profound milestone. Recently, acclaimed actor Rani Mukerji was honored with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award, celebrating her nearly three decades in Indian cinema and her deep-rooted connection to Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Born and raised in the bustling lanes of Mumbai, Rani’s reflections on the accolade were filled with deep emotion.

For Rani, Mumbai is far more than a backdrop to a successful career; it is the cornerstone of her identity.

Over the last three decades, Rani has cemented her legacy by portraying complex, fearless, and layered women. Through unforgettable performances in masterworks like Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise, and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, she has consistently redefined the space for women in mainstream cinema.

Beyond personal milestones, Rani views cinema not merely as a profession, but as a cultural heartbeat. Paying tribute to the community of artists, technicians, and visionaries who wake up every day with a dream to tell a story, she celebrated the global reach of Maharashtra’s film fraternity.

In a fitting gesture of gratitude, Rani dedicated her award to the land and the people who nurtured her dreams—honoring the artists, technicians, and generations of storytellers who paved the way.

The Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award stands not only as a testament to Rani Mukerji’s extraordinary cinematic journey, but also as a celebration of the enduring magic of Maharashtra—the true home of Indian cinema.

Priyanka Dutta