Radio City Cine Awards Marathi S7 celebrates excellence in Marathi Cinema

The glitz and glamour of Marathi cinema came alive at the grand finale award ceremony of City Cine Awards Marathi Season 7, held on the evening of February 23, 2024, at Nexus Westend Mall, Aundh, Pune. Hosted by several charismatic RJs from Radio City across Maharashtra markets, the event was a celebration of creativity, diversity, and excellence in the Marathi film industry.

The essence of City Cine Awards Marathi lies in its unique approach, where the awards are presented by the fans and listeners of Radio City, staying true to the tagline - "Ithe janatach ahe judge" (meaning, people are the judges here). This approach ensures that the awards reflect the sentiments and preferences of the audience, making them all the more meaningful for the audiences as well as the celebrities.

Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, expressed, “City Cine Awards Marathi is a people’s choice award that empowers listeners to honour the excellence of artists for their outstanding contribution. Our mission is to promote creativity, diversity, innovation, and excellence through recognition in the Marathi film space. This is an on-air digital award session and the first of its kind wherein listeners can vote for their favourite Marathi superstars and films. It creates a benchmark of artistry that drives progress and is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards. Furthermore, we recognize the significant growth and potential of the Marathi film industry, demonstrating an increasing business size with close to 100 movies churned out annually, alongside robust investment and potential for further expansion. Radio City aims to preserve the value of the Marathi cinema and ensure that those who are most deserving and actively involved are the ones honoured with a nomination.”

Renowned Marathi film stars including Mahesh Manjrekar, Ankush Choudhary, Nanubhai Jaisinghani, Kedar Shinde, Sukanya Kulkarni-Mone, and others graced the occasion, enhancing the grandeur of the evening. Valay Mulgund, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed, "This award is extremely special to me as this is the very first award in my career," upon receiving the 'Best Lyricist' award for his work in the film 'Baipan Bhaari Deva'.

Devdutta Manisha Baji, who won the award, conveyed, "This marks my 14th year of association with Radio City." Actress Sana Shinde, elated with her debut award, stated, "I have butterflies in my stomach as this is the very first award in my life." Actor Ankush Choudhary thanked Radio City for their continuous support of Marathi cinema. Kedar Shinde, director of 'Baipan Bhari Deva', expressed gratitude for the film's recognition, adding, "This is the first award that the film has received." The winners extended their thanks and warm wishes to the people of Maharashtra for their support,votes and love.

The winners of City Cine Awards Marathi 2023 are:

• Best Film: Baipan Bhaari Deva
• Best Director: Kedar Shinde (Baipan Bhaari Deva)
• Best Actor - Male: Ankush Choudhary (Maharashtra Shaheer)
• Best Actor - Female: Sana Shinde (Maharashtra Shahir)
• Best Music Director: Devdutta Manisha Baji (Subhedar)
• Best Lyricist: Valay Mulgund (Baipan Bhaari Deva)
• Best Singer - Male: Ashish Kulkarni (Gun Gun from Ghar Banduk Biryani)
• Best Singer - Female: Aarya Ambekar (Kevadyacha Paan Tu from Sarla Ek Koti)
• Best Screenplay: Digpal Lanjekar (Subhedaar)
• The Game Changer: Gaurav More (Boyz 4)

City Cine Awards Marathi sets a benchmark of artistry that drives progress in the Marathi film industry. The event not only honors the deserving but also preserves the rich cultural heritage of the Marathi cinema.