Mumbai, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actress Rani Mukerji was honoured with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony on Wednesday.
Rani received the award from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar. Speaking on the occasion, the actress described cinema as a deep emotion and Maharashtra as the home of that emotion.
Addressing the gathering in Marathi, Rani said Maharashtra was more than just a state for her, describing it as her birthplace, the land where she built her career and an inseparable part of her life.
Reflecting on her bond with Mumbai, the Mardaani actress said the city had given her an identity, an audience and a career, while also becoming her home and safe place. She said the award would hold a special place in her heart because it would remind her not merely of an honour, but of Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Known for portraying strong women and choosing women-centric stories, Rani said she had always sought to represent powerful girls and women through cinema “that has its heart in the right place”.
She said she was drawn to characters whose stories reflected truth, resilience and courage, including women who had flaws, refused to remain in the background and did not wait for someone else to rescue them.
“I have never considered cinema merely a profession. For me, cinema is a deep emotion. And Maharashtra is the home of that emotion,” Rani said while concluding her remarks.
FOLLOW NOW
