- By Swati Singh
- Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Actress Rani Mukerji was felicitated with her first National Award for the movie Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Rani visited the capital, along with Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey, who received National award under the 'Best Actor' category. The ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi and it was graced by the whose who of the entire Indian film fraternity.
In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Rani Mukerji opened up about her National award win and called it 'truly surreal'. She said, "It was truly surreal to hear about receiving the award, as I was performing a Griha Pravesh puja for my new office, which is located at the place where my dad used to live. I had my father on my mind the whole day. I had just finished the puja and, as soon as I sat down, I received the call about the National Award."
Calling it as her late father's blessing, Rani said, " I truly felt it was my dad’s blessing that it happened in such a way that his presence felt really strong. I was missing him deeply that day, especially because I was doing the Puja in the very room where he had passed away."
Rani Mukerji dedicates her National Award win to her late father
"Of course, winning it for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway makes it even more special because, as I’ve mentioned in earlier interviews, the character of Devika was someone I had modelled on my own mother. I had my mom in mind throughout the shoot. So, in a way, the character I played, Devika, was very much like her. It feels like both my parents have blessed me with this National Award. It’s deeply personal and quite surreal in that sense," she further added.
Rani attributed her National Award win to her fans, saying it was a special recognition validated by the government, making it meaningful not just for her, but especially for her fans. She expressed that seeing the joy and pride in her mother's eyes and her fans' elation made the win feel more for them than for her, highlighting the happiness it brought to those who supported her tirelessly.
She further said, "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. Through this film, we tried to honour the spirit of motherhood and I hope it serves as a reminder of the quiet power women carry within them every single day."