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.”

The 67th Wolf 777news Filmfare Awards 2022 will be held in full glory with a live onground show in Mumbai. Taking forward the six-decade-long legacy, the coveted Black Lady will recognize the best in Hindi cinema for the year 2021 at a star-studded event that will celebrate the artistic and technical brilliance of Hindi cinema. The event will be hosted by Bollywood buddies, Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC in Mumbai, on August 30. The awards night will see performances by Kartik Aaryan, Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani, and Disha Patani to name a few. Bollywood fans can enjoy the show live amidst the stars by buying tickets on BookMyShow.

Bollywood’s powerhouse performer Ranveer Singh was the guest of honour at the press conference in Mumbai on Thursday to make the announcement. The actor is a recipient of four Filmfare Awards so far.

Ranveer said, “It’s an honour to represent and host Filmfare Awards. The legacy of the Black Lady is an integral part of the entertainment industry for the last six decades. This year I am extremely excited to host the show in front of a live audience. The energy in the house will be unprecedented. The team behind the show are some of the best names in the business, and together it is our endeavour to create a magical and memorable evening for our beloved audience and fraternity.”

Calling himself a ‘filmy bachcha, ’90s baby’, the actor shared some lovely anecdotes in his usual no holds barred style. Ranveer, who won his first Filmfare Award for Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), said, “I’ve won the Filmfare Award a few times and some of my most cherished moments in life have been on those awards nights. When I won the Best Actor for Bajirao Mastani (2015), my idol, the one who inspired me to be an actor, Mr Amitabh Bachchan was sitting in the front row. Madhuri Dixit Nene presented the award to me for Gully Boy (2019) and that was a moment of a lifetime for me. When Deepika won the Best Actress Award for Piku (2015), to be there with our families was very special for us. There is some magic around Filmfare, so I am thrilled to be hosting it this year. My personal favourite Filmfare Award hosts have been Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. I have my dearest baba Arjun Kapoor to co-host with me this time. I am looking forward to celebrating excellence in Hindi films.”