Ila Bhate gets Lifetime Achievement Award at Zee Marathi Awards 2026, recalls her mother

Veteran Marathi actress Ila Bhate was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Zee Marathi Awards 2026. Over several decades of acting, her natural and graceful performances, her impactful voice and her memorable roles have earned her a special place in the hearts of audiences. Receiving the award, she grew emotional recalling her journey so far. She said her mother should have been there to see this moment of joy.

Bhate has connected with several generations through her acting. She won over audiences with varied roles such as Vasudha Shastri in 'Asambhav', Aau in 'Ka Re Durava' and Dr Sai Pradhan in 'Radha Hi Bawri'. Her call for 'Ghana' in 'Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta' is also remembered by viewers. Many saw a mother, a grandmother or someone from their own home in her characters. For this reason, her acting and her humanity have left a lasting impression on audiences.

Before entering acting, Bhate had thought of building a career in education, but the stage drew her in. In her early days her voice drew criticism. She held on to the advice of Dr Ashok Ranade: 'Play with words, love them. The word is the womb of acting.' She made that very voice her identity and won over audiences with her acting.

Speaking about her feelings on receiving the award, Bhate said, "When I took this Lifetime Achievement Award on stage and was watching the video of my journey so far, my heart was filled with joy, contentment and gratitude. I was myself surprised that we had worked for so many years. My guru had always said to keep working continuously. His words came back to me at that moment. I remembered everyone who stood by me on this journey, and I silently bowed to them."

She continued, "Of all these feelings, I missed my mother the most. I felt from the heart that my mother should have been here today to see this moment. The Lifetime Achievement Award is recognition of the work done so far, the audience's appreciation and their applause. But it is also an expectation that I keep doing good work like this, and the new energy to do so."

Bhate is currently playing the important role of the grandmother in the Zee Marathi serial 'Kamali'. She expressed satisfaction with the response the role is getting from audiences. She said that along with past work, it matters what we are doing today and what we can do next.

At the same ceremony, Chinmayee Salvi, who plays Sharvari in the serial 'Sanai Choughade', won the Best Actress award for the first time. She said, "I was happy that our work is being noticed on a big stage. There was also eagerness and a little nervousness. The love that 'Sanai Choughade' and my role are getting from viewers made this experience even more special."

Watching award ceremonies since childhood, Salvi had wished that one day she too would dance on such a stage. This time, thanks to Zee Marathi, that dream came true. She said the journey so far flashed before her eyes the moment the Best Actress trophy came into her hands. Recalling the welcome her family gave when she took the trophy home, she said, "When I went home with the trophy, my uncle, father, aunt, mother, niece, brother and sister-in-law all welcomed me very warmly. Everyone was dancing. They were even dancing with the trophy on their heads! I was very happy to see that. Honestly, I was happy to win the award, but seeing my family's happiness made me even happier." She dedicated the award to her family, the entire 'Sanai Choughade' team and her admiring audiences.

Raj Hanchanale, who plays Jay in 'Sanai Choughade', also shared his experience of the ceremony. Speaking after the serial won the Best Serial award, he said, "The Zee Marathi Awards experience was very beautiful for me. This ceremony brought back many old memories. My association with Zee Marathi is very old. The memories and the whole journey from 2016 till now came before my eyes. Being part of such a big ceremony is a matter of pride and joy for me."

He added, "The dream I had seen while living in a 10 by 10 room in Mumbai felt fulfilled today. Performing before so many stalwarts of Marathi entertainment was a thrilling experience. The most special moment for me was 'Sanai Choughade' winning Best Serial. It felt like the whole team's hard work over all these days had borne fruit."

Ila Bhate's long acting career, Chinmayee Salvi's first Best Actress award and the honour for the 'Sanai Choughade' team as Best Serial were among the moments that made the Zee Marathi Awards 2026 ceremony memorable for both artistes and audiences.