Govt explains why it renamed award to Rekha

Speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating the website http://www.marathifilmsaward.com,Patil said,“The controversy was created due to the direct translation of the term ‘Jeevan Gaurav’ as lifetime award. This award is,in fact,given to veteran film personalities for their contribution to the Indian film industry. To avoid any more misunderstandings,we have changed the name to Raj Kapoor Smriti Pratibha Gaurav Award instead of Jeevan Gaurav.”

Rekha would now attend the award function.

She is believed to have earlier said that ‘lifetime achievement’ award was for those whose careers were over. “I am still active in the film industry and open to doing different roles,” she was quoted as saying by a section of the media.

The award function is scheduled for 7 pm on May 30 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Stadium. Besides Rekha,Aamir Khan has been chosen for the award. All the recipients,including Aamir Khan and Rekha,have confirmed their presence for the ceremony. V Shantaram Award for contribution to Marathi cinema has been declared for veteran music director Jagdish Khebudkar and director Mahesh Kothare.

Oscar winner A R Rahman will be felicitated on the occasion. Also present will be Oscar-winning sound technician Resul Pookutty,along with the cast of the film Slumdog Millionaire.

Padma award winner Helen,veteran musician Hridaynath Mangeshkar,singer Udit Narayan and singer Peenaz Masani will also be felicitated on the occasion. Ajay Sarpotdar,president,Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal,said,“Over 75 local artistes will present a show ‘Punyadarshan’,an hour before the actual award ceremony. Over 73 films had been sent as entries. The final winners out of the 10 nominations will be declared at the event.”

Invitation passes will be available on first-come-first-serve basis at Balgandharva Rang Mandir,Bharat Natya Mandir,Tilak Smarak Mandir,Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagriha,Ramkrishna More Sabhagriha-Chinchwad,Manoranjan office and Collector office on May 28,May 29 and May 30 from 9 am to 11 am,he said.