The third NAFA Marathi Film Festival 2026, organised with the support of the Government of Maharashtra, opened with a grand red-carpet ceremony befitting Hollywood glamour. With cameras flashing and prominent stars from the Marathi film industry making stylish appearances, San Jose was filled with a distinctly Maharashtrian festive spirit.
During the ceremony, veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi, known for her distinguished work in Hindi and Marathi cinema as well as theatre, was honoured with the prestigious NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable artistic journey. The award was presented by NAFA founder and president Abhijit Gholap. NAFA co-conveners Archana Sarafand Riya Thosar, senior member Mr. Thanedar, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Hattangadi dedicated the honour to her parents, who helped shape her artistic journey, as well as to her mentor Ebrahim Alkazi, her husband Jaydev Hattangadi, and the many co-actors, directors, writers, artists and producers she has worked with over the years.
She said, “I still have a lot of work to do. I have absolutely no plans to sit at home after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. This is my first award outside India, which makes it extremely special and emotional for me.”
She also thanked Abhijit Gholap and the entire NAFA team for organising the event.
NAFA is Not Just a Film Festival, but a Celebration of Culture
Abhijit Gholap said, “NAFA is not merely a film festival connected to the silver screen. It is a cultural platform that celebrates Marathi language, culture, art and traditions on American soil. With the support of the Government of Maharashtra beginning this year, the initiative has gained even greater strength. The younger generation is also participating enthusiastically in our efforts to preserve and promote Marathi language and culture.”
He added that previous recipients of the NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award include actor Dilip Prabhavalkar and actor-director Amol Palekar.
“Having the opportunity to honour Rohini Hattangadi, who belongs to the same distinguished league, is a proud moment for NAFA. Her presence has further enriched the NAFA platform,” Gholap said.
Girija Oak GodboleMarathi Celebrities Bring Their Swag to the Red Carpet
The red-carpet appearances of Rohini Hattangadi, Mahesh Kothare, Atul Kulkarni, Prasad Oak, Ajinkya Deo, Girija Oak, Shruti Marathe, Archana Joglekar, Nagraj Manjule, Trupti Bhoir, Sai Deodhar, as well as producers Manjiri Oak and Gargi Kulkarni, drew considerable attention.
The stars’ outfits beautifully blended Maharashtrian tradition and Indian culture with contemporary global style. Special photo shoots and candid conversations in the media lounge added further colour and excitement to the evening.
As is customary, a gala dinner was hosted the previous evening at the residence of NAFA founder-president Abhijit Gholap. Marathi artists and several prominent members of the Indian-American community attended the dinner.
The three-day NAFA Festival, being held at the California Theatre in San Jose, will continue over the next two days with panel discussions, informative and entertainment programmes, as well as world premieres and special screenings of several films and short films.
