Veteran actor Anupam Kher was conferred with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award at the Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony.
Taking to Instagram, the acclaimed actor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra and its dignitaries, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar, for recognizing his contribution to Indian cinema.
Calling it a deeply humbling moment, Kher shared how Mumbai has played a vital role in shaping his career, describing the city as one with the “largest heart in the world” that gives everyone a chance to dream and succeed. He also paid tribute to the late legendary actor Raj Kapoor, calling him an inspiration. The special 26 actor also reflected on the surreal feeling of receiving an award named after such an iconic figure in Indian film history.
In his acceptance speech, Kher said, “I came to Mumbai on June 3, 1981. Despite being a gold medalist from the National School of Drama, the job I was looking for was not available. I was living in a small room in a chawl and I didn’t even know the address of that chawl. Now, those things are 40 years old. My love for this city is still the same. Mumbai is a city with a big heart. Everyone who comes here definitely gets an opportunity.”
The 60th and 61st editions of the Maharashtra State Film Awards were held on August 5 in a combined ceremony.
Anupam Kher receives Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award
IANS