Actor Rani Mukerji has finally won her first National Film Award after nearly three decades in the film industry, as she received the Best Actress Award for her emotional and powerful performance in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’, a film where she plays a mother fighting against a foreign government to get her children back.
For Rani, this win is something she has waited a long time for. In her statement after the announcement, the actress said she was “overwhelmed” and called the moment ‘very emotional and personal’.
Rani made her debut back in 1996 with ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’. Since then, she has starred in many popular and critically acclaimed films like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Black’, ‘Mardaani’, and ‘No One Killed Jessica’.
Calling it a “full-circle moment”, Rani said, “This is the first-ever National Award in my 30-year career. I have been lucky to be a part of some amazing films and have received a lot of love over the years. But this recognition means a lot. I thank the jury for honouring my performance in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’.”
She added that the award is not just hers alone, but belongs to the entire team behind the film. “I share this moment with the whole team; my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha, and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this special project.”
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‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’ starring Rani Mukerji tells the story of an Indian mother living abroad whose children are taken away by Norway’s child welfare services. The movie draws inspiration from the real-life case of Sagarika Chakraborty from 2011. Rani plays the mother, Debika, who challenges an entire foreign legal system to reunite with her children.
Rani said that playing the role of a mother fighting against all odds made her reflect deeply on the strength and love of mothers everywhere.
“I dedicate my National Award to all the incredible mothers of this world. A mother’s love is fierce and unconditional. This story of an Indian immigrant mother who took on a nation moved me deeply. I felt that love when I became a mother myself.”
She went on to say, “This win feels deeply emotional. It’s more than just an award for a film, it’s a reminder of how strong and determined mothers can be. A mother can move mountains for her child.”