Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal was honored in the Actor category at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony held at the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Tuesday, March 8, 2026. The grand ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities from politics, entertainment and public life. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presented Kaushal with the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year – Actor award during the event.
The actor recently received widespread appreciation for his powerful portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the historical film Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar. Upon receiving the award, Kaushal addressed the audience in Marathi and expressed his gratitude to the people of Maharashtra. Referring to Maharashtra as his “karmabhoomi,” he thanked the Lokmat Group as well as CM Fadnavis and DyCM Shinde for the honor. He said the recognition was not just an award for him but also a tribute to Maharashtra’s culture, history and the blessings of its people.
Speaking about his role in Chhaava, Kaushal said portraying Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a great responsibility. He noted that the film helped him understand the true meaning of courage, valor, sacrifice and pride. He credited the entire team of the film for bringing the historical story to life and dedicated the honor to Maharashtra and Marathi people across the world.
Concluding his speech, Kaushal paid tribute to the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by reciting a powerful line celebrating the Maratha warrior’s bravery. CM Fadnavis joined him in the chant, drawing loud applause from the audience at the ceremony.
The Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards, organized annually by the Lokmat Group, recognize individuals from Maharashtra who have made remarkable contributions in fields such as entertainment, politics, sports, business, education and public service. The ceremony is regarded as one of the most prestigious public recognition platforms in the state.