Rani Mukerji received her first-ever National Award after more than 30 years in Bollywood. Her mother, Krishna Mukherjee, expressed pride in her daughter’s achievement but believes the recognition came late. She feels that Rani deserved this honour earlier, especially for her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Black’. Rani was presented with the Best Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards in 2025 for her performance in ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs. Norway’.
Krishna Mukherjee beams with pride
While talking to Instant Bollywood at a Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai, Krishna Mukherjee spoke proudly about her daughter receiving the National Award. She stated, “I am happy that she got a National Award. But (she got it) very late. She should (have gotten the award) for the film Black, I think so. But today, I am very proud of her.”
Close family friend chimes in
Chitrani Lahiri, wife of the late singer Bappi Lahiri, was also present with Krishna and joined the conversation. She expressed her surprise at the delayed recognition of Rani’s talent, saying, “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 come the people didn’t understand her at that time. They should have given her a long time back. After 30 years, she is getting the award.”
Celebrating Rani Mukerji’s journey and Shah Rukh’s win
Krishna Mukherjee opened up on daughter Rani’s long journey, saying, “30 years of her career, and she got it now. But I am happy.” She also expressed joy that actor Shah Rukh Khan received his first-ever National Award after many years. Shah Rukh was honoured for his role in the film ‘Jawan’.
Backstory of ‘Black’
‘Black’, directed, co-written, and co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, tells the compelling story of Michelle, a woman who is deaf, mute, and blind. Inspired by the life of author-activist Helen Keller, the film explores Michelle’s challenging journey and the deep bond she forms with her aging teacher Debraj, who eventually suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The film features powerful performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Ayesha Kapur, Shernaz Patel and Dhritiman Chatterjee.
Rani’s recent National Award win
Rani recently earned her first National Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’. The film, directed by Ashima Chibber, is based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother whose children were taken away by Norwegian child welfare authorities in 2011.
Rani Mukerji’s upcoming project: ‘Mardaani 3’
Now, Rani Mukerji is gearing up to return as the fierce ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy in the upcoming ‘Mardaani 3’. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the third chapter of this popular series is slated for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026, promising intense action and a gripping storyline.
