A controversy over actor Rekha reportedly declining the Raj Kapoor Smriti Jeevan Gaurav Award given by the Maharashtra Government, over a misunderstanding that it was a ‘lifetime achievement award’, has resulted in a change of name of the award.

State Cultural Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Patil said the misunderstanding was because of the term, ‘Jeevan Gaurav’.

Speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating the website www.marathifilmsaward.com, Patil said, “The controversy was created due to the direct translation of the term ‘Jeevan Gaurav’ as lifetime award. This award is, in fact, given to veteran film personalities for their contribution to the Indian film industry. To avoid any more misunderstandings, we have changed the name to Raj Kapoor Smriti Pratibha Gaurav Award instead of Jeevan Gaurav.”

Rekha would now attend the award function.

She is believed to have earlier said that ‘lifetime achievement’ award was for those whose careers were over. “I am still active in the film industry and open to doing different roles,” she was quoted as saying by a section of the media.

The award function is scheduled for 7 pm on May 30 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Stadium. Besides Rekha, Aamir Khan has been chosen for the award. All the recipients, including Aamir Khan and Rekha, have confirmed their presence for the ceremony. V Shantaram Award for contribution to Marathi cinema has been declared for veteran music director Jagdish Khebudkar and director Mahesh Kothare.

Oscar winner A R Rahman will be felicitated on the occasion. Also present will be Oscar-winning sound technician Resul Pookutty, along with the cast of the film Slumdog Millionaire.

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