Helen Accepts Salim Khan's Raj Kapoor Lifetime Honour at Maharashtra State Film Awards

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan was conferred the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards, held at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, on Wednesday. His wife, veteran actor Helen, accepted the honour on his behalf and conveyed his thanks to audiences.

Speaking to the media at the event, Helen said she was grateful for the recognition given to Salim Khan. She said he thanked all those who have followed his work, adding that his health is good and that he is a strong man who sends his good wishes to the people of Maharashtra and India. She also said all his films are her favourites.

Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who was present at the ceremony, said the event marked the 125th birth anniversary of V. Shantaram. He said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the Lifetime Achievement and Special Contribution Awards. Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar received the Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, while actor-director Prasad Oak was given the Chhatrapati V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award.

Salim Khan was honoured with the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award, and actor Rani Mukerji received the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award. The Chief Minister presented the award to Rani Mukerji at the venue.

Mukerji said receiving an award named after Raj Kapoor, a legend of Indian cinema, was humbling, and that the recognition from her own people and her home state made the moment especially meaningful. She dedicated the award to Maharashtra, its people, artists, technicians, filmmakers and the wider film fraternity, as well as to earlier generations of storytellers who made it possible for a girl like her to dream.