The 67th Wolf777news Filmfare Awards recently concluded in Mumbai amidst great pomp and show. The evening that celebrated the finest filmmakers, artistes and technicians in Hindi cinema also spotlighted the greatness of the state of Maharashtra, which partnered with the event as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. The evening began with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, lighting the ceremonial lamp. It was followed by an ode to the cultural heritage of the state and a speech by Sudhir Mungantiwar that highlighted the strong connection between the Hindi film industry and the state.

“Yeh baat sahi hai ki jis bhoomi pe hum hain, iss bhoomi se hi 1913 mein pehli shuruat Dadasaheb Phalke ne ki Raja Harishchandra banake… Jab main Marathi bhasha ki film ki baat karta hoon, toh uski pehli film, Ayodhyecha Raja, 1932 mein V Shantaram ji ke nirdeshan mein bani,” said Mungantiwar. 

Talking about how Bollywood is the pride of the state of Maharashtra, he added, “The film industry will always have our support. It’s an industry that brings this state its aan, baan aur shaan. Aaj hamare upmukhyamantri Devendra ji aur hum yahan yeh batane ke liye upasthit hai ki aap aage badho hum aapke saath hain. We are working towards creating policies that encourage the film business to thrive in the state and encourage filmmakers to shoot here.”

“We are rich in geographical beauty. Yahan aisi sundar-sundar jagahein hai ki Switzerland jaane ki aavashaykta nahi hai. Bharat ka Tiger Capital Vidarbha mein hai, jungle hamare paas hai, nadiya hai, bahut paani hai, we have a lot of biodiversity, too. The state is rich in cultural and historical heritage. The film industry doesn’t just entertain all of us, it makes us think and reflect. It influences us in so many ways. When I arrived here, I was thinking of the first love letter I wrote to my wife, which had a Hindi film song in it. And when she had welcomed me into her maiden home, she, too, was inspired by a Hindi film song to convey her emotions. This industry has a role to play in everyone’s life. The Filmfare Awards are not just an acknowledgement of the work that the industry puts in, it’s also a form of encouragement to the industry that relieves everyone’s stress,” said Mungantiwar.

Sending his wishes out to the whole industry and hoping that it grows from strength to strength, he added, “Main bhagwaan Siddhivinayak ke charno mein prarthana karta hoon ki jo desh ki chitranagri Mumbai mein hai, yeh bahut fale-fule itni aage badhe ki jitna GST film industry ne pichle paanch saal mein nahi bhara uska dus guna woh agle saal mein de sake, itna vyavasay usko mile.”

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said, “Mumbai is the entertainment and economic capital of India. We are very proud of our film industry. Main aisa maanta hoon ki jo hamara Bollywood hai usne duniya mein apni ek pehchaan banayi hai. Regional film industries are also making a name for themselves. Hamari Marathi film industry toh pehle se hi ek apni alag pehchaan rakhti thi. Lekin aaj jis prakar se dakshin ki filmon ne hamare desh mein hungama machaya aur duniya mein ek naya chitra tayar kiya hai, mujhe aisa lagta hai ki ek bahut hi naye daur se aaj hamari film industry guzar rahi hai. This industry doesn’t merely entertain, it creates employment and gives wings to dreams. We are working on creating policies that bring ease in doing business here. We hope to facilitate whatever the industry requires in various areas for its smooth functioning. The new government in Maharashtra is for everyone and for the film industry, too.”