Imtiaz Ali honoured with Sarvottam Nagrik Samman 2025 for outstanding contribution to Bollywood cinema

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali was awarded the Sarvottam Nagrik Samman 2025 at a ceremony held at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bollywood cinema.

Philanthropist Seema Singh hosted the event, where the Governor of Maharashtra, Ashish Shelar, and more distinguished personalities including Padma Vibhushan Dr Anil Kakodkar, Padma Bhushan Dr Vijay Bhatkar, and Padma Shri Dr Shankar Mahadevan were in attendance.

Expressing his gratitude, Ali said, “Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, I stand grateful for receiving the Sarvottam Nagrik Samman Award, a testament to my incredible journey in Bollywood. I deeply thank God, my devoted team, and my beloved parents for their unwavering support. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the Governor of Maharashtra and Seema Singh Ji for honoring me with this incredible recognition. To everyone who has believed in my work, thank you for your love and encouragement. Let’s continue this beautiful journey together!”

Known for their signature blend of romance, cultural depth, and relatable storytelling, Ali’s films have touched millions, cementing his place as one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers.