Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Salim Khan, Prasad Oak Honoured by Maharashtra

Three Luminaries to Receive State Honours

The Maharashtra government has announced this year's top film honours, recognising three stalwarts from different generations of Indian cinema. Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, lyricist and screenwriter Salim Khan, and actor Prasad Oak will be conferred with prestigious awards at a ceremony later this year.

Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the younger brother of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, will receive the Raj Kapoor Award. This honour is given annually for lifetime achievement in Indian cinema. The composer has created memorable music for films across Hindi and Marathi industries.

Salim Khan Gets V Shantaram Award

Salim Khan, one half of the iconic screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, will be presented with the V Shantaram Award. This award recognises contributions to Indian cinema through writing and direction. Khan co-wrote classic films like Sholay, Deewar, and Zanjeer that reshaped Hindi cinema in the 1970s.

The state government cited his enduring impact on storytelling and dialogue writing. Khan's work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers. He is also the father of actors Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan.

Prasad Oak Wins Best Actor

Prasad Oak, known for his powerful performances in Marathi cinema, will receive the Best Actor award. The honour comes for his role in the Marathi film Godavari, directed by Nikhil Mahajan. Oak played a layered character in the critically acclaimed movie that explored human relationships against the backdrop of a river.

Oak has earlier directed the National Award-winning film Killa. He gained wider recognition for his portrayal of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the Hindi film Maddy. The award puts a spotlight on the growing strength of regional cinema in Maharashtra.

Ceremony Details Awaited

The state government has not yet announced the date and venue for the award ceremony. Officials said the event will be held in Mumbai before the end of the year. The awards include a cash prize, a citation, and a trophy.

These honours are part of the Maharashtra government's annual film awards that celebrate contributions to both Hindi and Marathi cinema. The selection committee included film personalities and government representatives.

All eyes are now on the formal ceremony where these three icons will be felicitated. The event is expected to draw prominent figures from the film industry.