For actress Rani Mukerji, winning her first National Film Award for Best Actress has become one of the most profound moments of her life. Honoured for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (2023), Rani called the win “surreal” and “deeply personal,” dedicating the honour to both her late father and her mother.

A Blessing from Her Father

The news of her victory arrived during a particularly emotional moment. Rani shared that she was performing a Griha Pravesh puja at her new office, which is located in the very home where her late father once lived. “My father was on my mind the entire day,” she revealed. “I had just finished the puja, sat down, and received the call about the National Award. It was surreal, and it felt like his blessing. The presence of my dad was very strong in that moment.”

She described the experience as bittersweet, recalling that the puja was conducted in the same room where her father had passed away. Rani believes receiving the award call that day was a divine sign, connecting her father’s memory with one of the proudest moments of her career.

A Tribute to Her Mother

The personal meaning of this achievement did not end there. Rani further explained that her character Devika Chatterjee in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway had been modelled after her own mother. “Throughout the shoot, I had my mom in mind. The way Devika fights for her children is the way I have seen my mother’s strength in real life.”

For Rani, the award honours both her parents—her father’s blessings and her mother’s inspiration. This emotional link made the recognition far more than a professional accolade; it became, as she put it, “a deeply personal moment wrapped in love and gratitude.”

Fans at the Heart of the Joy

While the award is a monumental career achievement, Rani insisted that it truly belongs to her fans and family. She admitted that she had always focused on giving her best to every role without obsessing over awards. Yet, the sheer excitement of her supporters made her feel the win was more for them than herself.

“The happiness in my mother’s eyes and the joy of my fans made me realise this award is theirs. Even after all these years, it’s their belief in me that keeps me going,” she shared warmly.

Celebrating with Friends in Film

The 71st National Film Awards proved extra special as many of Rani’s close colleagues were also honoured. Shah Rukh Khan bagged the Best Actor award for Jawan (shared with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail), while Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. It became a shared celebration that highlighted the strength and diversity of today’s Hindi cinema.

Rani Mukerji’s first National Award is more than a professional triumph—it is an emotional full-circle moment. Rooted in her parents’ blessings, her fans’ unwavering love, and her own dedication to honest storytelling, the honour shines as one of the most meaningful milestones in her journey. For an actress who has given audiences countless memorable performances, this recognition cements her legacy as one of Bollywood’s finest.

Read Also: Shweta Mohan’s Heartfelt Words on Sujatha Mohan Missing a National Award

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