Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, who has acted in extra than 250 Marathi films and is understood for his impeccable comic timing, become on Thursday night offered the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for 2023, the very best civilian honour of the state.Saraf in an acting profession spanning nearly five many years, has also featured in numerous Hindi movies and popular comedy drama tv series Hum Paanch, among others.

The prestigious award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a medal and a citation, changed into presented to the distinguished actor on the 57th Maharashtra State Marathi Film Awards rite right here by using Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shinde showered encomium on Saraf, pronouncing "He remains younger at 75 and yearns to do something new. He is the real diamond of Marathi soil.''

"It is an honour and pleasure for the nation authorities to offer the award to Saraf, the CM said.

"The backlog (of kingdom-degree Marathi and Hindi movie awards) for three years (pending due to coronavirus pandemic) turned into finished. We had to shape government to present those awards," Shinde stated.

The CM said his government become committed to offer present day facilities for film shootings in the nation, whose capital Mumbai is the enjoyment hub of the us of a."Maharashtra is my 'janmabhoomi' (start location) and 'karmabhoomi' (workplace). I am thankful to all individuals who helped me in my 50-12 months-antique career. Maharashtra's target market is clever and important.

Artists should strike a stability and should keep in thoughts what the target market will like," he said.

At the rite, the Lata Mangeshkar Award for Lifetime contribution to track for 2023 changed into given to noted singer Suresh Wadkar.

The Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award went to veteran actors Aruna Irani (for 2020) and Mithun Chakraborty (2021).

The V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in Marathi cinema for 2020 was conferred posthumously on late actor-director Ravindra Mahajani. His son, actor Gashmir Mahajani, acquired the award. The equal award for 2021 went to actress Usha Chavan. Filmmaker Vijay Kondke obtained the trophy on her behalf.