Rani Mukerji has received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony in Mumbai. The award was presented on 9 September 2026 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a ceremony organised by the Maharashtra Government.

The event was held at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, one of Mumbai’s well-known cultural venues. The honour recognises Rani Mukerji’s contribution to Indian cinema and her long career as an actress.

The award has added another major recognition to Rani Mukerji’s career, which has continued for nearly three decades across Hindi films.

Rani Mukerji Receives Special Contribution Award

Rani Mukerji received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award for her contribution to films and the film industry. The award is associated with the Maharashtra State Film Awards and is named after legendary filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor.

The honour recognises people who have made a notable contribution to cinema. For Rani Mukerji, the award marks recognition of her work over many years and her presence in several important films.

Rani has worked across different types of roles during her career. She has appeared in commercial films as well as movies dealing with social issues, relationships, family and women’s experiences.

62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards

The award was presented during the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards, organised by the Government of Maharashtra.

The annual awards celebrate achievements and contributions in the Marathi and wider Indian film industry. The 2026 ceremony brought together actors, filmmakers, writers and other people associated with cinema.

The event took place at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The venue is known for hosting cultural and performing arts events in the city.

The presence of senior film personalities and government representatives made the ceremony an important occasion for Maharashtra’s film community.

Raj Kapoor’s Legacy Behind the Award

The Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award is named after Raj Kapoor, one of the most influential personalities in Indian cinema.

Raj Kapoor was an actor, director and producer who played an important role in shaping Hindi cinema. His films became popular not only in India but also in several countries outside India.

He was known for combining entertainment with social themes and creating memorable characters. His contribution to Indian cinema continues to influence filmmakers and actors.

Naming a special contribution award after Raj Kapoor connects the honour with the long history and development of Indian cinema.

Other Major Honours at the Ceremony

Rani Mukerji was not the only film personality honoured during the Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony.

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan received the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award. Actress Helen accepted the award on his behalf during the ceremony.

Salim Khan is one of the best-known screenwriters in Hindi cinema. His writing partnership with Javed Akhtar produced several successful and influential films, and their work played a major role in shaping mainstream Hindi cinema.

Actor and filmmaker Prasad Oak also received the Chitrapati V Shantaram Special Contribution Award. The award is named after another major figure in Indian cinema.

The honours highlighted the contribution of personalities from different generations of the Indian film industry.

Rani Mukerji’s Long Career in Indian Cinema

Rani Mukerji has been active in Indian cinema for nearly three decades. She began her career in the 1990s and gradually became one of the recognised actresses in Hindi films.

Over the years, she has taken on a wide range of characters. Her filmography includes romantic dramas, family stories, thrillers and films focused on social issues.

Her performances in female-led stories have also received attention. In several films, she has played characters facing personal, professional and social challenges.

Her ability to work across different genres has helped her maintain a long career in an industry that continues to change rapidly.

Recognition for Women-Centred Roles

One notable part of Rani Mukerji’s career has been her participation in films where women are central to the story.

She has played characters who challenge social expectations, deal with difficult personal circumstances and take control of their own lives. These roles have contributed to wider conversations about women’s representation in Indian cinema.

Her work has also continued at a time when the Indian film industry is seeing increasing interest in stories led by strong female characters.

The Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award therefore adds to the recognition Rani Mukerji has received for her contribution to the industry over the years.

Maharashtra’s Connection With Indian Cinema

Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, has a central place in the history of Indian cinema. Mumbai is home to a large part of the Hindi film industry and has been the workplace of generations of actors, directors, writers, musicians and technicians.

The Maharashtra State Film Awards provide a platform to recognise achievements connected with the state’s rich film culture.

The 62nd edition also highlighted the contribution of established artists such as Rani Mukerji, Salim Khan and Prasad Oak. Their honours reflected different aspects of filmmaking, acting, writing and long-term contribution to cinema.

A Major Recognition for Rani Mukerji

The Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award marks another important milestone in Rani Mukerji’s long journey in Indian cinema. Receiving the honour at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards places her among the film personalities recognised for their lasting contribution to the industry.

The ceremony also brought together different generations of Indian cinema, from veteran figures such as Salim Khan and Helen to contemporary performers and filmmakers.

With her career continuing across nearly three decades, Rani Mukerji remains an important name in Hindi cinema, and the latest state honour recognises her contribution to the changing landscape of Indian films.