Deshmukh stresses need to encourage Marathi films

Thane, Maharashtra, Apr 30 (UNI) Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today appealed to the film industry to pay more attention to Marathi films which had a surfeit of talent that needed to be encouraged.

He was speaking at the 43rd awards presentation function for Marathi films at the Dadaji Konddeo Stadium here this evening.

Mr Deshmukh stressed that the talent in Marathi films needs to be explored. On The Chief Minister gave around twelve awards and two special awards in the memory of V Shantaram and Raj Kapoor.

While the award to perpetuate the memory of V Shantaram was received by Ashok Saraf the award in memory of Raj Kapoor was bestowed upon Tamil superstar Rajnikant. However, Rajnikant could not make it for the awards presentation function and the award was received by his brother. Helen and Amol Palekar were the chief guests at the function.

Film-maker Subhash Ghai, taking a cue from the Chief Minister's appeal, promised that a Marathi film will be produced under the banner of Mukta Arts this year itself.

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