Amol Palekar to be Honoured with Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) Lifetime Achievement Award 2026

Key facts

• Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st edition of META in New Delhi.
• The 21st edition of the festival, instituted by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, will be held from 19 March to 25 March 2026.
• The jury panel for the 2026 awards includes Amal Allana, Anuradha Kapur, Rajit Kapur, Satish Alekar, and Ila Arun.
• The festival received a record 422 submissions from over 20 states and 100 cities, featuring productions in nearly 60 languages and dialects.
• Ten productions have been shortlisted to compete in 13 categories at venues including Kamani Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts.
• The competitive categories include Best Production, Best Director, Best Stage Design, Best Light Design, Best Sound & Music Design, Best Costume Design, Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Original Script, Best Ensemble, and Best Choreographer.
• Amol Palekar is recognised for his work in Hindi cinema during the 1970s, including films such as Chhoti Si Baat, Chitchor, Bhumika, Baaton Baaton Mein, and Gol Maal.
• He is also noted for expanding the reach of theatre by performing in alternative spaces such as parks, terraces, canteens, and garages.