At the 71st National Film Awards, Rani Mukerji was honored with the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. This marks her first National Award, making the recognition especially meaningful in her nearly three-decade long career.
She received the award at a ceremony in New Delhi and expressed deep gratitude, dedicating her win to her family and the film’s team. Her portrayal of a mother fighting for her children, caught between cultural divides, resonated widely with audiences and critics alike.
The film Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is based on a real-life custody battle involving an Indian mother and the Norwegian child welfare system. Mukerji’s nuanced, emotionally rich performance was seen as a standout, being able to balance strength, vulnerability, and cultural sensitivity.
The award ceremony also celebrated other cinema luminaries, highlighting a mix of veteran performers and emerging talents across categories. Rani’s achievement stood out partly because it symbolizes the recognition of a deeply human and socially relevant story, and her journey to this moment underscores persistence and dedication.