Rani Mukerji finally wins National Award, calls it validation of her three-decade-long acting journey

Rani Mukerji has won her first National Film Award in a career that spans over 30 years. She was named Best Actress at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, a film based on the real-life struggle of an Indian mother battling a foreign system for her children.

Reacting to the honour, Rani said, “I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Incidentally, this is the first ever National Award in my 30-year career.” She went on to thank the jury and acknowledge the team behind the film. “I share this moment with the entire team—my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this truly special project that celebrated the resilience of motherhood.”

For Rani, the award is more than just professional recognition. “This award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection, and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry of ours,” she said.

She dedicated the honour to mothers around the world, saying, “There is nothing like a mother’s love and her ferocity to protect her own. A mother’s love for her child is unconditional. I realised this when I had my own.” Rani added that the story of the immigrant mother moved her deeply and made the film a personal and emotional journey for her. “A mother can move mountains for her children and also make the world a better place. This film tried to show this.”

Rani also used the occasion to thank her audience. “Your unconditional love and support is everything that I have ever needed to stay motivated, to show up at work every day, and to deliver performances that have entertained you,” she said. “So, without you, I would be a nobody today.”

Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway has been noted for its emotionally charged narrative and Rani’s restrained yet powerful performance, which now has the National Award as a formal stamp of recognition.