In a grand tribute to cultural excellence, Maharashtra’s minister of Cultural Affairs, Adv Ashish Shelar announced the recipients of the state’s highest honours to be presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs. The five major awards include the Chitrapati V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, Chitrapati V Shantaram Special Contribution Award, Late Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, Late Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award and the Ganasamragni Lata Mangeshkar Award. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at Mantralaya on Thursday.

This year, the Chitrapati V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award has been announced for renowned actor, director and producer Mahesh Manjrekar. The honour comprises a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, along with a memento, citation and a commemorative silver medal. The Chitrapati V Shantaram Special Contribution Award will be presented to acclaimed actor Mukta Barve. This award comprises Rs 6 lakh in cash, a memento, a citation and a commemorative silver medal.