Rani Mukerji’s emotional journey to winning her first National Award took center stage at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2025. After a career spanning three decades, the acclaimed Bollywood actor received the Best Actress honour for her performance in the legal drama ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’.
A Special Moment Shared with SRK
Mukerji expressed immense joy at sharing her big moment with longtime friend and co-star Shah Rukh Khan, who also won his first National Award this year. Describing the achievement, she said that winning alongside SRK made it more memorable, as their popular ‘Rahul-Tina’ pairing from Karan Johar’s 1998 hit ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ still defines their legacy today. Mukerji thanked Karan Johar for choosing her as Tina—a role that has stayed with fans for years.
Memories of ‘Black’ and Family
Reflecting on the past, Rani recalled her disappointment when she didn’t win the National Award for ‘Black’ in 2005, despite giving her all to the role. She shared how both her father and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali were heartbroken then. Their belief in her talent stayed strong and she continued working with determination.
Mukerji dedicated her achievement to her late father, remembering how he dreamt of this day for her. She recounted receiving the news of her award in the very room where he had passed away, marking a touching and personal milestone.
Faith, Patience, and Motivation
Rani acknowledged that the award is a source of happiness for her family, friends, and fans. She admitted that success is never guaranteed in films, but her single-minded focus has always been on hard work and excellence. Her journey is marked by patience and gratitude, believing that everything happens when the time is right.
Legacy and Inspiration
The recognition at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi included a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and the prestigious Silver Lotus medallion. As Mukerji stood alongside other top talents, she proved that persistence pays off. Her tribute to her late father and celebration with Shah Rukh Khan highlighted how love, friendship, and family remain at the heart of her remarkable story.
