V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award

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V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award
Mahesh Manjrekar 1.jpg
The 2024 recipient: Mahesh Manjrekar
Awarded for"Outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Marathi cinema"
Location Maharashtra
CountryIndia
Presented by Government of Maharashtra
Reward(s)
  • Silver Medal
  • Trophy
  • Certificate
  • 1,000,000 (US$12,000)
First award1994
Final award2024
Recent winner Mahesh Manjrekar
Highlights
Total awarded32
First winner Chandrakant Mandare

The V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award is a lifetime achievement honor presented annually by the Government of Maharashtra, India. Established in 1994, the award is given by the Department of Cultural Affairs to individuals in recognition of their long-standing contributions to Marathi cinema. Recipients are selected by a committee comprising members from the Indian film industry.

Contents

The award includes a silver medal, a certificate, a trophy, and a cash prize of ₹10,00,000. [1]

It was instituted to commemorate filmmaker V. Shantaram (1901–1990), who played a notable role in the development of Indian cinema.

The first recipient was actor Chandrakant Mandare, awarded in 1994 at the Maharashtra State Film Awards. As of 2023, a total of 32 individuals have received the award. Among those, Ravindra Mahajani is the only posthumous recipient. Mahajani's actor son, Gashmeer Mahajani accepted the award on his behalf at the 57th Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony. [2] The most recent recipient of the award is veteran actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar who was honoured at 61st Maharashtra State Film Awards. [3]

Recipients

List of award recipients by year
Year
(Ceremony)
ImageRecipientWorkNotes
1994 Chandrakant Mandare.jpg Chandrakant Mandare ActorHe was known for performing in mythological and historical films, and his work spanned several decades in the Marathi film industry. [4]
1995- Sudhir Phadke Music DirectorComposed music for numerous Marathi and Hindi films and was particularly known for his work on the musical project Geet Ramayan , which became widely recognized in Maharashtra. His work is noted for its influence on Marathi film music and its role in shaping the musical landscape of the industry. [5]
1996 Lalita Pawar (1916--1998).jpg Lalita Pawar ActressKnown for her extensive career in Indian cinema, including notable contributions to Marathi films. She appeared in over 700 films across various languages and was known for portraying strong character roles, including antagonistic and maternal figures. Her performances were recognized for their consistency and impact over several decades in the film industry. [6]
1997 Sulochana Devi at the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Awards, 2010.jpg Sulochana ActressKnown for her longstanding contributions to Marathi cinema. She was known for her roles as a mother and supporting character in numerous films from the 1940s to the 1990s. Her performances were noted for their emotional depth and became a significant part of mainstream and regional Indian cinema. [7]
1998- Dinkar D. Patil Film DirectorHe was known for his work as a director and screenwriter in Marathi cinema, particularly for films that focused on rural life and social issues. His storytelling often reflected the experiences of everyday people, and he played a significant role in shaping socially conscious narratives in regional filmmaking.
1999- Sumati Gupte-Joglekar ActressShe was known for her work as an actress in Marathi cinema and theatre. She was recognized for her performances in a variety of roles that showcased emotional depth and cultural nuance, contributing to the growth of Marathi performing arts during the mid-20th century.
2000-Vasant PainterFilm DirectorVasant Painter was known as a film director and art director in Marathi cinema, noted for his contributions to visually rich and socially relevant films.
2001- Ram Gabale  Cinematographer
 Film Director
He was known for his work as a cinematographer in Marathi and Hindi cinema, contributing to the visual style and technical development of Indian films over several decades. [8]
2002 Chandrakant Gokhale.jpg Chandrakant Gokhale ActorHe was known for his work as an actor in Marathi theatre and cinema, with a career spanning several decades marked by performances in both dramatic and character roles.
2003 Jayshree Gadkar.jpg Jayshree Gadkar ActressShe was known for her work as a leading actress in Marathi cinema, particularly during the 1950s to 1970s. She appeared in numerous mythological, historical, and social films, with notable works including Manini , Sangtye Aika , and Sawaal Majha Aika! . Her performances were recognized for her versatility and strong screen presence. [9]
2004 The 91 years old lead actress of 'Shyamchi Aai' and the winner of President's Gold Medal in 1953, Vanmala Devi at a Press Conference during the ongoing 36th International Film Festival of India - 2005 in Panaji, Goa.jpg Vanamala ActressShe was known for her performances in Marathi and Hindi cinema, particularly for her role as the mother in the acclaimed film Shyamchi Aai (1953), which won the first National Film Award for Best Feature Film. She was recognized for her graceful screen presence and portrayals of dignified, emotionally nuanced characters. [10]
2005- Annasaheb Deulgaonkar WriterKnown for his contributions to Marathi cinema as a screenwriter. He played a key role in promoting and supporting regional films like Maherchi Sadi , Dhum Dhadaka & Lek Chalali Sasarla,helping to expand the reach of Marathi cinema across Maharashtra. [11]
2006 Ashok Saraf.jpg Ashok Saraf ActorKnown as “Mahanayak of Marathi Film Industry.” [12] Best known for his role in shaping the modern Marathi comedy film genre. Over a career spanning nearly five decades and more than 250 Marathi films, he popularized comedy with impeccable timing and versatility across both Marathi and Hindi cinema. He was a central figure in the “comedy films wave.” [13]
2007 Rajdutt01.jpg Rajdutt Film DirectorKnown for his work as a film director and screenwriter in Marathi cinema. He directed several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, often focusing on social and emotional themes.
2008 RameshDeo (cropped).jpg Ramesh Deo ActorHe was a veteran actor, director, and producer in Marathi and Hindi cinema, known for his character roles and long-standing contribution to the film industry. He was often referred to as a versatile character actor due to his wide range of roles over six decades. [14]
SeemaDeo.jpg Seema Deo ActressShe was a respected actress in Marathi and Hindi cinema, known for her graceful screen presence and powerful performances that left a lasting impact on Indian film.
2009- Jagdish Khebudkar  Writer
 Lyricist
Renowned Marathi lyricist and poet, known for his prolific contribution to Marathi cinema and music. Over his career, he penned lyrics for more than 2,500 songs across around 300 films. His writing style blended simplicity with emotional depth, making his work resonate with audiences across generations. [15]
2010- Asha Kale ActressShe often portrayed strong female leads, such as devoted mothers, resilient wives, or women facing social and personal struggles. Her films typically explored relationships, societal norms, and human emotions, making her a prominent figure in serious, dramatic Marathi cinema. [16]
2011 Jabbar Patel.jpg Jabbar Patel Film DirectorHe known for directing socially and politically themed Marathi films and plays, blending artistic storytelling with issues like caste, power, and social justice. His notable works include Samna , Jait Re Jait , Sinhasan , Umbartha , and the biographical film Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar . [17]
2012-Leela GandhiActressBest known as a veteran Marathi actress and lāvṇī dance artist whose decades‑long career in cinema and stage brought widespread recognition to traditional Marathi folk art. [18]
2013- Pandhari Juker Make-up ArtistHe was a celebrated makeup artist whose six-decade-long career in Hindi cinema left a profound mark on the industry. [19]
2014- Uma Bhende ActressShe often portrayed emotionally strong and graceful female characters, and her performances were rooted in traditional values and cultural narratives.
2015- Suryakant Lavande CinematographerHe was a distinguished cinematographer in Marathi cinema, celebrated for his work over six decades on visually impactful films like Samna , Sinhasan , Gammat Jammat , and Dhum Dhadaka. [20]
2016-V. N. MayekarFilm EditorOften hailed as the “wizard of the scissors” for his masterful editing that added emotional depth and narrative precision to films.
2017 Vikram Gokhale.jpg Vikram Gokhale ActorHe was renowned as a consummate actor in Marathi theatre, films, and Hindi cinema, acclaimed for his dignified portrayals of authoritative figures and emotionally complex characters. [21]
2018- Vijay Chavan ActorHe was known as a highly versatile comic actor in Marathi theatre and cinema, famous for his over 350 film appearances and iconic stage role as the female lead in the comedy play Moruchi Mavshi . [22]
2019 Sushama Shiromanee 2019.jpg Sushama Shiromanee ActressShe is known for her multifaceted career as an actress, producer, director, writer, and distributor in Marathi cinema. She gained particular recognition for directing and producing the Marathi "item‑song" driven films Bhingari, Fatakadi, Mosambi Narangi, Bhannat Bhanu, and Gulchhadi, often casting Bollywood stars to elevate Marathi cinema’s mass appeal. [23]
2020- Ravindra Mahajani ActorKnown for his striking leading-man presence in Marathi cinema during the 1970s and ’80s—often hailed as the industry’s equivalent of Bollywood’s Vinod Khanna—earning widespread recognition for roles in films like Zhunj, Aaram Haram Ahe , Devta, and Mumbaicha Faujdar. [2]
2021 Usha Chavan.jpg Usha Chavan ActressShe known for her iconic roles in Marathi comedy films, especially alongside actor Dada Kondke, and for her work in emotional romantic and social dramas.
2022 Usha Naik, Actor and Shrihari Sathe, Producer of the film 'EK HAZARACHI', at a press conference, at the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2014), in Panaji, Goa on November 29, 2014.jpg Usha Naik ActressBest known as a seasoned Marathi actress whose career began as a background dancer in the 1970s and evolved into leading and character roles spanning over 250 films.
2023 Shivaji Satam.jpg Shivaji Satam ActorHe has built a memorable career in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, appearing in acclaimed films such as Ek Hoti Vadi, Uttarayan , De Dhakka . [24]
2024 Mahesh Manjrekar 1 (cropped).jpg Mahesh Manjrekar   Film Director
 Actor
He is a prominent figure in Marathi cinema, known for directing critically and commercially successful films like Astitva (2000), Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy! (2009), Kaksparsh (2012), Natsamrat (2016), and Juna Furniture (2024). [3]

References

  1. "सांस्कृतिक कार्य संचालनालय". 14 July 2018. Archived from the original on 14 July 2018.
  2. 1 2 डेस्क, एबीपी माझा एंटरटेनमेंट (23 February 2024). "रविंद्र महाजनी यांना मरणोत्तर जीवनगौरव पुरस्कार प्रदान, गष्मीरने स्विकारला वडिलांचा सन्मान". ABP Majha (in Marathi).
  3. 1 2 "Maharashtra: Top state awards for Mahesh Manjrekar, Anupam Kher, Kajol & Mukta Barve". The Indian Express. 18 April 2025.
  4. "Profile of old master Chandrakant Mandare". www.indiaart.com.
  5. "Bollywood Retrospect: 5 Hindi songs that give a glimpse of Sudhir Phadke's genius". DNA India.
  6. "Tribute to lalita pawar". www.screenindia.com. Archived from the original on 28 March 2008.
  7. "'हा तर माझ्या घरचा आहेर!'-मुंबई -महाराष्ट्र-Maharashtra Times". maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012.
  8. Service, Express News (10 January 2009). "Veteran filmmaker Gabale is no more". The Indian Express.
  9. "Jayshree Gadkar". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 13 December 2009.
  10. "Shyamchi Aai won the President's Gold Medal". The Times of India. 22 April 2013. ISSN   0971-8257.
  11. वडनेरकर, प्रीती (22 August 2020). "मराठी चित्रपटसृष्टीतील 'चंदेरी पर्व'". Marathi News Esakal (in Marathi).
  12. "Kon Honar Crorepati : मराठी सिनेसृष्टीचे महानायक अशोक सराफ येणार 'कोण होणार करोडपती'च्या मंचावर". ABP Majha (in Marathi). 22 June 2022.
  13. Team, DNA Web. "State to fete Rajnikant, Ashok Saraf". DNA India. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  14. "He was a perfectionist who sang 55 Marathi songs: Ramesh Deo". The Times of India. 12 January 2017. ISSN   0971-8257.
  15. "V Shantaram awards to be presented on May 30". The Indian Express. 15 May 2009.
  16. "Marathi Film awards: Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Asha Kale". photogallery.indiatimes.com.
  17. "Maha Govt Confers Raj Kapoor Awards On Nihalani, Shabana". NDTV. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  18. "Leela Gandhi bags V. Shantaram Award". NDTV.
  19. "Pandhari Juker". Loksatta (in Marathi). 21 February 2020.
  20. "Maharashtra announces awards for film legends". The Hindu. 27 April 2015. ISSN   0971-751X.
  21. "Vikram Gokhale gets lifetime achievement award". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257.
  22. "विजय चव्हाण, मृणाल कुलकर्णी यांना चित्रपट व्ही.शांताराम पुरस्कार घोषित - Marathi News | Vijay Chavan and Mrinal Kulkarni are honored with the V. Shantaram Award for the film | Latest Filmy News at Lokmat.com". LOKMAT (in Marathi). 16 April 2018.
  23. "Sushma Shiromanee bags V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award". Loksatta (in Marathi). 26 May 2019.
  24. "59th Maharashtra State Film Awards: Asha Parekh, Shivaji Satam, Anuradha Paudwal honoured, here's the winners list". The Indian Express. 22 August 2024.