Cinema VinesRani Mukerji received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards held in Mumbai on Wednesday. The ceremony was graced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who presented the honor to the actress in the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and other members of the film fraternity.
The award, which recognises Mukerji’s long‑standing contribution to Indian cinema and her deep ties to Maharashtra, highlighted the actress’s career that began in the city where she was born and raised. Over the decades she has delivered memorable performances in films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli, Black, Talaash, Hichki and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
During her acceptance speech, Mukerji spoke passionately about her connection to the state. She said, “For me, Maharashtra is not just a state. Maharashtra is my birthplace. It is the land where I built my career. And it is an inseparable part of my life.” She went on to describe Mumbai as the source of her identity, audience, career, and home, adding that the award would hold a special place in her heart because it represents both the city and the state.
The actress also reflected on the characters she has chosen over the years. “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. “I chose characters that felt truthful, that I felt instinctively drawn towards for their story, their journey and their resilience. Characters who had courage. Characters who had flaws. Characters who refused to disappear into the background. Women who were never waiting for someone else to rescue them.”
Concluding her remarks, Mukerji stated that cinema is more than a profession for her; it is a deep emotion, and Maharashtra is the home of that emotion. The award ceremony also noted that Mukerji is the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive a La Trobe Honorary Doctorate.
