Marathi flag flies high at National Awards

Shivaji Lotan

Marathi artistes and Marathi film makers have brought pride to Maharashtra by winning the major awards at the 60th National awards announced today. This clearly proves that Marathi artistes are talented and the new directors are attempting something different to invite the attention of the country and also receiving acclaim at international film festivals. Can we now expect a change of taste in Marathi audience?
Now, the good news is that Marathi artistes have won awards in three major categories; i.e. Best actor- Vikram Gokhale ( who has shared this award with Irrfan Khan) for his performance in ‘Anumati’. Best actress award is bagged by Usha Jadhav for her outstanding performance in ‘Dhag’ and for the same film Shivaji Lotan Patil bagged the best direction award . To add one more feather in the cap of ‘Dhag’ child actor Hansraj Jagtrap has bagged special award.

Aarti Anklikar Tikekar has bagged the best Playback Singer’s award for film ‘Samhita’ and for the same film Shailendra Barve has bagged best Music director’s award. . This has certainly set Marathi flag fly high at the National level. Marathi film ‘Investment’ was declared the Best Marathi film for the year 2012.
All these three Marathi films are yet to be officially released in theatres; but their release at various festivals has already received acclaim from the Jury and critics . Marathi film ‘Dhag’ had already received 7 nominations at Ma Ta Sanman award and we understand that Usha Jadhav has bagged Best actress award there too. Marathi Movie World was quick enough to interview Usha on the eve of the award, after watching her film ‘Dhag’ at the festival. She was also declared the ‘Star of the Month’ honour by Marathi Movie World.