Entertainment Desk:

Rani Mukerji, one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors, recently received her first National Award for her powerful performance in ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’. In an emotional statement, she shared how this recognition, after a remarkable 30-year journey in cinema, holds immense personal significance.

The actor, who won the award in the Best Actor (female) category said, “I’m truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me. I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee.”

Rani also expressed gratitude towards her fans, acknowledging their constant support through the highs and lows of her career. “To my incredible fans, thank you for being by my side through every high and low. Your unwavering love and support have been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy and happiness to see how happy you are,” she added.

“I share this award with my brilliant director, Ashima, my producers Nikkhil, Monisha, Madhu, and everyone at Zee who brought this film together. Above all, I thank my entire cast and crew from Estonia and India, without whom this film could not have been made, especially during the challenges of the COVID period. The entire team of Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway poured their hearts into this powerful story, and I’m deeply grateful to each one of them,” she said.

Rani’s statement also touched upon the universal theme of motherhood. “This award is also a tribute to all the mothers around the world – their strength, courage and unconditional love. Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a story that moved me deeply because it captures the unbreakable spirit of an immigrant mother, fighting against all odds in a foreign land to protect her child. As a mother myself, this role was incredibly personal,” the statement concluded.

Other than Rani, Shah Rukh Khan won the Best Actor award for ‘Jawan’. He shared the same with Vikrant Massey for ‘12th Fail.’