New Delhi/IBNS, Feb. 22 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended a warm gesture towards veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar helping him to get seated at a programme here.

Modi helped Pawar to sit on a chair at the inauguration of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan.

The festival returned to the national capital after a gap of 71 years. It is taking place after Marathi was recognised as a classical language by the central government a year ago.

Meanwhile speaking at the event, Modi on Friday praised Vicky Kaushal's recently-released historical period drama Chhaava as he highlighted Maharashtra's role in shaping both Marathi and Hindi cinema.

The Prime Minister remarked that ...