The Lokmat Media Group hosted the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2026, a prestigious initiative celebrating individuals whose work has contributed significantly to the progress of Maharashtra across diverse fields. The grand ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 10, at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai. This marked only the second time in the history of the awards that the ceremony was held at the historic venue, popularly known as the “Gateway to India.”
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was a special conversation between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and renowned Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. The interaction drew significant attention as it was the first time the two shared the stage for a joint interview, making it one of the most anticipated moments of the event. During the conversation, Aamir Khan asked Fadnavis about his political journey, noting that he became a municipal corporator at a very young age when idealism often strongly shapes a person’s outlook. He asked how that early idealism had evolved over the years in his political career.
Responding to the question, Fadnavis said that with changing times one begins to understand the practical realities of idealism. “I would say that with changing times you begin to understand the practical aspects of idealism. Circumstances also change and sometimes you have to take certain decisions. But I firmly believe that idealism should never be completely abandoned. Because if idealism dies, there is nothing left in your personality,” he said.
Fadnavis added that he has set certain principles for his life and tries to live by them, while also remaining practical. “In democratic politics, if you are elected, only then can you bring about the change you want and implement the ideals you believe in. I have seen many people who failed to recognise the needs of the time and eventually faded away because they could not adapt,” he said.
Looking back at his political journey, Fadnavis admitted that he has not been able to carry forward the idealism with which he began his career in its entirety. “When I look back, I feel that I could not live with the idealism I started with one hundred per cent,” he said. However, he emphasised that while compromises are sometimes necessary in public life, he has never done so for personal benefit. “I have made compromises many times in my life. But I have never compromised for my personal interests or selfish gains. I have not done it so far, and I never will,” Fadnavis asserted.