MUMBAI: Acclaimed writer, director, and veteran social activist Ashfaque Khopekar  has achieved a momentous milestone in his illustrious journey. He was officially conferred with the prestigious ‘Best Bollywood Activist’ award under the “Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Awards 2024,” presented directly by the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, at a grand ceremony held in Mumbai.Entering his 33rd year of relentless service to the Indian film industry and civil society (since 1993), Khopekar has long bypassed the glamorous limelight of showbiz to act as a fearless shield for off-screen technicians and the marginalized.

This gubernatorial honor stands as an official testament to his selfless activism and legal battles for artists’ rights.A Fearless Voice for Film Industry TechniciansAs a respected member of premier industry bodies including IMPA, MCAI, SWA, and IFTDA, Khopekar has consistently stood against the exploitation of cinema workers. He currently serves as an active member and Advisor to the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees).Dispute Resolution Excellence: As the Chairman of the IFTDA Dispute Settlement Committee from 2010 to 2012, he successfully resolved hundreds of complex cases, ensuring justice and fair pay for technicians.Industry Leadership: He leads from the front as the President of both the ‘Screenwriter Guild of India’ and the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation’.

The Crusade Against IPRS Malpractice: In a historic move, Khopekar funded a personal crusade against corruption and royalty distribution discrepancies within the IPRS (Indian Performing Right Society). His movement forced a massive restructuring of the committee members, and his fight for artists’ royalties continues to this day.15 Years of Honoring Unsung Heroes Without DonationsUnder the aegis of the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation’, Khopekar has spent the last 15 years honoring the backbones of cinema—the behind-the-scenes technicians.

Operated entirely without external financial donations, the foundation presents these hard-working technicians with a trophy and a cash prize of ₹11,000 every year. Additionally, he successfully ran a free Medical Centre under this foundation for 3 years, providing healthcare to thousands of industry workers.A Living Example of Secularism and Social HarmonyKhopekar’s grassroots social work in Mumbai serves as an extraordinary model of cross-cultural unity and secularism:The Omkareshwar Sai Temple: Under the ‘Khopekar Education and Welfare Trust’, he donated his personal land in Dahisar East and used his own funds to construct a 3,000 sq. ft. ‘Omkareshwar Sai Temple’. For 25 years, he has personally organized and funded the Mahashivratri Utsav, Sai Bhandara, and cultural programmes here.

Empowering Orphaned Children: At the ‘Madrasa Jamiatul Azhar’ located in I.C. Colony, Borivali West, he completely sponsors the education, food, and livelihood of 40 to 50 orphaned children.Peaceful Religious Coordination: Serving as the Gen. Secretary  of a local mosque under ‘Jamaatul Muslimin’ for 13 years, he has managed all administrative affairs seamlessly, maintaining absolute communal peace without a single dispute.Creative Prowess: Writer, Director, and Poet Beyond his activist persona, Ashfaque Khopekar is a highly creative filmmaker and author.

His diverse catalog of movies, short films, and music albums are widely available across major internet platforms. As a literary figure, his celebrated book of poetry titled “Sachchayee” (Truth) has been published to critical acclaim, with the next 4 volumes currently active in the publishing pipeline,  More than 150 released Gazal, Qawali and Bhajan  are written by him and Even today, Ashfaque Khopekar remains ever-ready to lead, protest, and protect the rights of association members, carrying forward his fight against institutional injustice with unwavering resolve.

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Prominent Filmmaker & Activist Ashfaque Khopekar Honored With ‘Best Bollywood Activist’ Award By The Governor Of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan.