The brilliant Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan, actors with over 30 years in film, have been honoured with their very first National Awards, Yes, their first! Rani Muerji was recognized for a tour de force performance in Mrs Chatterjee Vs. Norway, while Shah Rukh Khan was named Best Actor for his outstanding and complete immersion in Jawan.
Rani Mukerji said, “I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Incidentally, this is the first-ever National Award in my 30-year career. As an actor, I’ve been fortunate to have had some incredible films in my body of work and to have received so much love for them.”
Rani shared, “For me, this award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft, which I feel a deeply spiritual connection to, and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry of ours.”
Adding, “I thank the National Award jury for honouring my work in
Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. I share this moment with the entire team of the film, my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha, and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this truly special project that celebrated the resilience of motherhood.”
In a moving close, Mukerji said, “I dedicate my National Award to all the incredible mothers of this world. There is nothing like a mother’s love and her ferocity to protect her own. The story of this Indian immigrant mother who went all out for her child and took on a nation shook me deeply. A mother’s love for her child is unconditional. I realised this even more when I had my own. So this win, this film, it feels deeply emotional and personal. A mother can move mountains for her children and also make the world a better place. This film tried to show that.”
Shah Rukh Khan, ever so cool-ly, charmingly and heartfelt as only he can, released a video about winning the National award for Jawan.
Vikrant Massey was also honored with the prestigious Best Actor award for his performance in 12th Fail, which also won Best Feature film.
The winner’s list: Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery. Sam Bahadur, which starred Vicky Kaushal, won for Best Makeup, Best Costume Design, and Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. Also included was Shilpa Rao, who also won her first National Award, for Best Playback Singer Female for ‘Chaleya’ from Jawan.
Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Khaani netted the best choreography award for Vaibhavi Merchant, and the film won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
