After over 30 years in the film industry, Rani Mukerji has finally won her first National Award for Best Actress, a moment of great pride for her family and fans.
The award was given for her acclaimed performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, where she played a mother fighting a foreign government to reclaim custody of her children. Inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, the film showcased Rani’s emotional depth and earned her widespread praise. Recently, Rani Mukerji’s mother Krishna, reacted to her daughter’s big win and shared that she should have got the award for Black.
Rani Mukerji’s mom on her National Award win
While the recognition marks a significant milestone, Rani’s mother, Krishna Mukherjee, believes it arrived too late. Speaking to the media at a Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai, she said, “I am happy she got a National Award, but it came very late. She should have received it for Black. But today, I am very proud of her.”
Chitrani Lahiri on Rani’s performance in Black
Chitrani Lahiri, wife of the late music legend Bappi Lahiri, echoed her sentiment, calling Rani’s performance in Black “brilliant” and questioning why it wasn’t awarded back then. Krishna also shared how special it felt that Rani’s longtime co-star and close friend, Shah Rukh Khan, also won his first National Award this year for Jawan. She said, “Rani is like my daughter. We are very overwhelmed to know that she got the National Award so late. She has done a wonderful job in Black. I don’t know how people didn’t understand her talent at that time. They should have given her the award long back. After 30 years, she is finally getting it.”
Though many still believe Rani was overlooked for her powerful role as Michelle McNally in Black (2005), her long-awaited win at the 71st National Film Awards in 2025 feels like a full-circle moment.
Rani Mukerji’s work front
With this long-deserved recognition finally in hand, Rani is gearing up for her next big release, Mardaani 3, where she returns as fierce cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The film is set to hit theatres on February 27, 2026. Rani’s journey, marked by resilience and powerful performances, continues to inspire.