Rani Mukerji was honored with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards held in Mumbai on Wednesday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the award to the actor in the presence of Culture Minister Ashish Shelar and members of the film fraternity.
Rani Mukerji has been honored with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 2026 Maharashtra State Film Awards.
This award recognizes Rani’s contribution to Indian cinema and her long association with Mumbai and Maharashtra. The actor was born and raised in Mumbai. He built a career spanning several decades, starring in films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli, Black, Talaash, Hichki And Mrs Chatterjee v Norway among her merits.
Accepting the honor, Rani spoke about her connection with Maharashtra and described the state as an important part of her personal and professional journey. She said, “Majhyasati Maharashtra fact ek rajya nahi.” Maharashtra majhi janmabhoomi ahe. Majhi Karmabhoomi aahe. Ani majhya ayushyacha ek avibhajya bhaag ahe (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 integral part of my life).”
Talking about the role of Mumbai in her life, Rani added, “Mumbai gave me my identity. He gave me an audience. He gave me a career. And this was my home, my safe place, everything for me. So this award will have a special place in my heart because every time I look at it, I don’t just see the award. I will see my Mumbai, my Maharashtra.”
Rani also reflected on the characters she has chosen throughout her career. “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 went on to say, “I chose characters that felt true, that I was instinctively drawn to for their story, their journey, and their resilience. Characters who had courage. Characters who had flaws. Characters who refused to fade into the background. Women who never expected anyone else to save them.”
Concluding her speech, Rani said, “I have never considered cinema to be just a profession. For me, cinema is about deep emotions. And Maharashtra is the birthplace of these emotions.”
Also read: Rani Mukerji becomes the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive an honorary doctorate from La Trobe
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