Actor Rani Mukerji achieved a career milestone earlier this year when she received her first National Film Award. She was honoured with the Best Actress prize for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway at the 71st National Awards, which were presented last month at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. While Rani’s recognition was widely celebrated, some of the other winners faced criticism, continuing a long history of debates over jury decisions. Rani believes that the worth of an award is undermined when its legitimacy is questioned.
Speaking in a podcast with ANI, the actor reflected on the significance of winning after three decades in the industry. “We had the entire country and fans rooting for us,” she said, referring also to Shah Rukh Khan, who earned his first National Award this year. “The most satisfying feeling is when people acknowledge that you truly deserve the award. If an award win is disputed, it loses its meaning, but when it is seen as well-earned, it brings a deeper sense of fulfilment.”
The actor also discussed whether such honours really matter to artists. “Everything matters. I work for my audience and I give my best because I want to impress them. When I win an award, it makes my fans happy and proud, and that makes the achievement even more meaningful,” she explained.
Although Rani has collected multiple Filmfare Awards over the years, this was her first National Award. The same is true for Shah Rukh Khan, who received the Best Actor award for Jawan. However, his win sparked debate when admirers of Prithviraj Sukumaran questioned why his performance in the critically acclaimed The GOAT Life was overlooked.
