PUNE: Puneites gave a standing ovation to Oscar winning music maestro A R Rahman while a massive round of applause welcomed noted actress Rekha and the versatile Aamir Khan at the glittering function to present state government's 46th Marathi film awards at the Balewadi sport complex here on Saturday.
Rehman's "Jai ho&" left the audience tapping their feet while Rekha and Aamir Khan thanked Maharashtra and Marathi audience for their love which contributed to their success in films. Rekha and Aamir Khan were presented with the Raj Kapoor Pratibha Gaurav and Raj Kapoor outstanding contribution award respectively by the state government. Noted lyricist Jagdish khebudkar was given the V Shantaram lifetime achievement award while actor-director Mahesh Kothare received the V Shantaram outstanding contribution award in the function. Rehman and the technical team of Slumdog Millionaire' were felicitated at the function by chief minister Ashok Chavan and deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal. The minister for cultural affairs Harshvardhan Patil was also present during the occasion. Responding to the felicitations, Aamir Khan said, "I am extremely happy that the award has been conferred by Maharashtra which is my motherland. Maharashtra has given me fame and also my livelihood. I am thankful to the Marathi audience who have always appreciated my work." Aamir added, "My mother always tried to teach me Marathi and Urdu. I cannot speak Marathi. However, I can read and understand it. While, Urdu, I can speak but cannot write." He added that he was still trying to learn Marathi. While accepting the award Rekha said, "Maharashtra maza, mee Maharashtrachi (I am Maharashtrain and Maharashtra is my motherland). Though my motherland is in the south, Maharashtra and Mumbai have always played a significant role in my career. The award will always be most special as it has brought great happiness for me." Addressing the gathering, chief minister Ashok Chavan said that Marathi cinema is at its highest peak at present. "The audience is back in theatres and movies are getting overwhelming responses from the audience. The audience has played a vital role in providing a lifeline for Marathi cinema in the last few years," he said. Padma award winners singer Udit Narayan, musician Hridaynath Mangeshkar and actor Helen were also felicitated at the function. A cultural programme showcasing Marathi culture and its milestones was staged during the occasion.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Standing-ovation-for-Rahman-at-state-awards-function/articleshow/4598847.cms
