Aparna Sen Honored with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at WBFJA Awards 2025

Introduction

The West Bengal Film Journalists Association (WBFJA) Awards 2025 celebrated the excellence of Bengali cinema at its annual awards ceremony held at Priya Cinema in Kolkata. The event was highlighted by the prestigious ‘Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award’ being bestowed upon the legendary filmmaker Aparna Sen, recognizing her invaluable contributions to Indian cinema.

Table of Contents

• What is the WBFJA Awards?
• Aparna Sen’s Lifetime Achievement Award
• Top Winners at WBFJA Awards 2025
• Best Director Award
• Tribute to Raj Kapoor
• FAQs on WBFJA Awards 2025 & Aparna Sen’s Honor
• Conclusion

Aparna Sen’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Aparna Sen was the star of the evening as she received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she expressed deep gratitude and encouraged contemporary Bengali filmmakers to uphold and advance the rich legacy of Bengali cinema. Her illustrious career and dedication have left an indelible mark on the industry, making her a deserving recipient of this honor.

Top Winners at WBFJA Awards 2025

The awards night celebrated outstanding performances and exceptional filmmaking in Bengali cinema. Some of the top winners included:

• Best Film: Manik Babur Megh
• Best Actor (Male): Chandan Sen (Manik Babur Megh)
• Best Actor (Female): Rituparna Sengupta (Ajogya)
• Most Popular Film: Khadaan
• Most Popular Actor: Dev (Khadaan)

Best Director Award

In a rare joint decision, the Best Director award was shared by:

• Srijit Mukherji (Badami Haynar Kabale)
• Debaloy Bhattacharya (Padatik)

Special Recognition for Technological Innovation

Srijit Mukherji also received a Special Recognition Award for his film Oti Uttam, which was lauded for its groundbreaking use of AI technology. The film utilized artificial intelligence to recreate the voice of the legendary actor Uttam Kumar, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling in Bengali cinema.

Special Mentions and Notable Categories

The evening also recognized emerging talent and exceptional craftsmanship across various categories:

• Most Promising Director: Abhinandan Banerjee (Manik Babur Megh)
• Best Screenplay: Anjan Dutt (Chalchitra Ekhon)
• Best Music Director: Amit Chatterjee (Badami Haynar Kabale)
• Best Background Score: Rathijit Bhattacharya (Khadaan)

Playback Singer Awards

• Male: Timir Biswas (Tekka), Rathijit Bhattacharya (Khadaan)
• Female: Antara Mitra (Khadaan)

Best Lyricist

Kaushik Ganguly won the Best Lyricist award for his work in Ajogya.

Tribute to Raj Kapoor

The ceremony paid a special homage to the legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor on the centenary of his birth. The tribute featured a circus-themed performance inspired by Kapoor’s iconic film Mera Naam Joker. The event concluded with a rendition of the classic song “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan”, celebrating his enduring legacy in Indian cinema.

Notable Attendees at the Event

The WBFJA Awards 2025 witnessed the presence of renowned figures from the Bengali film industry, including:

• Saswata Chatterjee
• Mamata Shankar
• Paran Bandyopadhyay

Their participation added to the prestige and camaraderie of the evening, making it a grand success.

FAQs on WBFJA Awards 2025 & Aparna Sen’s Honor

1. What is the WBFJA Awards?

The West Bengal Film Journalists Association (WBFJA) Awards is an annual event celebrating excellence in Bengali cinema. It honors outstanding performances, filmmaking, and technical achievements in the industry.

2. Why was Aparna Sen awarded the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award?

Aparna Sen received the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at the WBFJA Awards 2025 for her invaluable contributions to Bengali and Indian cinema as a director, actor, and writer. Her visionary storytelling and dedication to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry.

3. Who were the top winners at the WBFJA Awards 2025?

Some of the major winners include:

• Best Film: Manik Babur Megh
• Best Actor (Male): Chandan Sen (Manik Babur Megh)
• Best Actor (Female): Rituparna Sengupta (Ajogya)
• Most Popular Film: Khadaan
• Most Popular Actor: Dev (Khadaan)

4. Who won the Best Director Award at WBFJA 2025?

In an unusual joint decision, the Best Director award was shared by:

• Srijit Mukherji (Badami Haynar Kabale)
• Debaloy Bhattacharya (Padatik)

5. What was the significance of the Raj Kapoor tribute at the event?

The WBFJA Awards 2025 paid homage to Raj Kapoor on his centenary year. A special performance inspired by Mera Naam Joker was held, featuring the iconic song “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan,” celebrating Kapoor’s lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Conclusion

The WBFJA Awards 2025 not only honored the stalwarts of Bengali cinema but also showcased the industry’s evolving landscape through innovative storytelling and promising new talents. Aparna Sen’s Lifetime Achievement Award served as a beacon of inspiration, motivating the next generation to carry forward the legacy of excellence in Indian filmmaking.

Key Takeaways Table

Related terms

• WBFJA Awards 2025 Winners
• Aparna Sen Lifetime Achievement Award
• Bengali Cinema Awards 2025
• Best Bengali Films 2025
• Satyajit Ray Film Legacy
• West Bengal Film Journalists Awards
• Bengali Film Industry Updates
• Raj Kapoor Tribute 2025
• AI in Bengali Cinema
• Best Director Bengali Films 2025