Events in Goa

Artist Kalidas Satardekar Honours Varsha Usgaonkar with Portrait Ahead of Lifetime Achievement Award


In a poignant moment that celebrated both artistic excellence and cultural legacy, renowned Goan artist Kalidas Satardekar presented a specially crafted portrait to acclaimed actress Varsha Usgaonkar. The tribute coincided with the announcement of her Lifetime Achievement Award by the Entertainment Society of Goa, adding emotional resonance to an already significant occasion.

โ€œIt was a privilege to present my portrait of the eminent Goan actress, Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar,โ€ shared Satardekar, reflecting on the moment of recognition and shared pride. Known for his expressive and deeply rooted artistic style, Satardekar captured the elegance and legacy of Usgaonkar โ€” one of Goaโ€™s most celebrated film and television personalities.

Varsha Usgaonkar has been a towering presence in Indian cinema and television since the 1980s, earning admiration for her versatility, charm, and consistent representation of Goan identity in popular media. Her contributions have made her a household name across India, particularly in Marathi and Hindi entertainment circles.

The award and the portrait stand as a celebration of her enduring impact and a symbolic passing of the torch between two Goan luminaries from different disciplines โ€” one from the world of screen, the other from the world of canvas.

Together, the gesture and the award remind us of the interconnectedness of Goaโ€™s vibrant cultural ecosystem, where artists, performers, and creators across generations honour one another in the spirit of community and shared heritage.

As Goa continues to celebrate its rich cultural narrative, moments like these bring deeper meaning to the stories that shape its identity โ€” a story told not just in awards or accolades, but in the heartfelt gestures of fellow artists.

Events in Goa

Curtains Close on the 10thโ€“12th Goa State Film Festival with Star-Studded Ceremony at Kala Academy


The vibrant world of Goan and Indian cinema came alive at the closing ceremony of the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival, held at Kala Academy, Panaji, on 17th August 2025.

Graced by the Honโ€™ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, and key dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M Lobo, Shri. Damu Naik, Shri. Ashwin Chandru, IAS, and Shri. Dipak Bandekar, the event marked a proud moment for the state’s film fraternity.

Smt. Delilah M Lobo welcomed guests and set the tone for a night dedicated to artistic excellence and cultural heritage.

๐ŸŽ– Honoring Legends

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the versatile and beloved Goan actress Smt. Varsha Usgaonkarโ€”an icon of Konkani, Marathi, and Hindi cinema.
The Recognition of Goan Film Legacy was posthumously conferred on Late Baba Naik for his significant contribution to Goan cinema.

๐Ÿ† Award Highlights

10th Edition (2018โ€“2019)

  • Best Feature Film: Juze (14 awards)

11th Edition (2020โ€“2021)

  • Best Film: Ransaavat (7 awards)
  • Best Non-feature Film: Kupamcho Daryeo (5 awards)

12th Edition (2022โ€“2023)

  • Best Feature Film: Mog (8 awards)
  • Best Non-feature Film: Gathan (3 awards)

๐ŸŽฌ 48 Hours Short Film Competition

  • Best Film (1st Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (2nd Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Awards were handed over by Dr. Pramod Sawant and esteemed guests including jury chairpersons Shri. Gajendra Ahire (Feature Films) and Shri. Asim Sinha (Non-feature Films).

๐ŸŽค Cultural Performances

The night was enriched by mesmerizing performances from:

  • Goan Fado singer Sonia Sirsat
  • Renowned composer-singer Ajit Parab
  • Comedy act by Bharat & More (Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame)
  • Dance performance by Vardhan & Group

๐Ÿ™ Closing Remarks

The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri. Dipak Bandekar, Director of the Department of Information & Publicity.

The festival witnessed an overwhelming response from filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers across Goa, reaffirming the stateโ€™s growing influence in regional and national cinema.

Films

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Brings Together 10th, 11th & 12th Editions


Panaji is set to shine under the cinematic spotlight as the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival kick off on August 14, 2025 at INOX Screen 1, Panaji. The inauguration will be graced by Honโ€™ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Smt. Delilah M Lobo, MLA and Vice Chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).

Film lovers can look forward to screenings at Maquinez Palace Theatre and INOX, Panaji, with 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films vying for 21 feature and 7 non-feature awards. The festival will also host insightful workshops and masterclasses by renowned film personalities, including Shri Neelaabh Kaul, Shri Pankaj Saxena, veteran actor Shri Kanwarjit Paintal, and Shri Chitah Yajnesh Shetty.

One of the most anticipated moments will be the lifetime achievement award presentation to Smt. Varsha Usgaonkar, an acclaimed actress, singer, model, and social worker who has left her mark in Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani cinema. This honor will be conferred during the award ceremony on August 17, 2025.

The opening ceremony promises a vibrant cultural experience with performances by celebrity singer Jolly Mukherjee, a solo band act by Mukesh Ghatwal, and a comedy show by Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the INOX courtyard will host a food court and handicraft stalls from August 14 to 17, 2025. Winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition will also be announced on opening day.

Delegate registration is open for Goan Film Fraternity, Film Enthusiasts, Student Delegates, and Media Delegates. For details, visit www.esg.co.in.