Rani Mukerji Wins First National Award for Best Actress, Pays Tribute to Daughter at Ceremony

Bollywood veteran Rani Mukerji has won her first-ever National Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The award was presented at the 71st National Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Rani added a personal touch to her look, wearing a gold necklace bearing the initials of her daughter, Adira, symbolizing her close bond while receiving the honour.

Several photos and videos from the event showed Rani seated alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The actor looked radiant in a brown Sabyasachi saree, but the necklace caught the attention of fans and media alike, highlighting her maternal pride. Rani tied the knot with filmmaker Aditya Chopra in 2014, and the couple welcomed Adira in 2015. Interestingly, the award-winning film depicts a mother’s fight to regain custody of her children after Norwegian authorities take them away.

The National Award ceremony brought together some of India’s finest cinematic talents, including Mohanlal, Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar, Ronnie Screwvala, Anupama Chopra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Guneet Monga, Meghna Gulzar, Vaibhavi Merchant, and Apoorva Mehta. While Rani Mukerji won Best Actress, Shah Rukh Khan shared the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail. Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

About Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
Directed by Ashima Chibber, the 2023 Hindi drama is based on the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother whose children were taken by Norwegian child welfare services in 2011, sparking a prolonged legal battle. Critics praised the film for its compelling subject matter and Rani’s intense performance. Although the film was a semi-hit at the box office, earning ₹38.3 crore worldwide against a ₹20 crore budget, it gained wider acclaim on OTT platforms.

What’s Next for Rani Mukerji
Rani will next appear in Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala. The action-packed thriller is slated for release on 27 February 2026, with its first poster unveiled on the first day of Navratri.