Veteran Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji’s recent win at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway has stirred emotions across the industry and within her family. While the recognition marks a significant milestone in her three-decade-long career, her mother Krishna Mukherjee believes the honour was long overdue. Speaking to media at a Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai, Krishna expressed pride in her daughter’s achievement but also voiced a heartfelt sentiment: “She should have got the National Award for Black. It came very late, but I’m proud of her.”
The comment has reignited conversations around Rani’s critically acclaimed role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2005 film Black, where she portrayed Michelle McNally, a deaf-blind woman navigating life with the help of her teacher, played by Amitabh Bachchan. The film won multiple National Awards, including Best Actor and Best Feature Film in Hindi, but Rani’s performance, widely hailed as one of the finest of her career, was overlooked.
Rani Mukerji’s National Award Journey – Timeline of Recognition
| Year | Film | Role | Award Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Saathiya | Suhani Sharma | Filmfare Critics Award |
| 2004 | Hum Tum | Rhea Prakash | Filmfare Best Actress |
| 2005 | Black | Michelle McNally | No National Award |
| 2014 | Mardaani | Shivani Shivaji Roy | Nominated, Filmfare Critics Award |
| 2023 | Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway | Debika Chatterjee | National Award for Best Actress |
Krishna Mukherjee’s emotional reaction was echoed by Chitrani Lahiri, wife of the late music legend Bappi Lahiri, who was present during the celebration. “Rani is like my daughter. We are overwhelmed to know she got the National Award so late. She did a wonderful job in Black. I don’t know how people didn’t understand her talent at that time,” she said.
The sentiment reflects a broader industry view that Rani’s performance in Black was ahead of its time. The film, inspired by the life and writings of Helen Keller, showcased Rani’s ability to convey complex emotions without dialogue, relying on body language, facial expressions, and raw intensity. Critics and audiences alike praised her portrayal, but the absence of a National Award remained a glaring omission.
Impact of Rani Mukerji’s Performance in Black – Industry Reactions
| Personality | Commentary on Black Performance | Year of Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjay Leela Bhansali | “Rani gave her soul to Michelle’s character.” | 2005 |
| Amitabh Bachchan | “She was my co-star, but also my teacher.” | 2006 |
| Javed Akhtar | “One of the most nuanced performances ever.” | 2007 |
| Filmfare Jury Panel | “Unanimous choice for Critics Award.” | 2006 |
Now, with her win for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Rani has finally received the recognition many felt she deserved years ago. The film, based on the true story of Sagarika Chakraborty, follows a mother’s legal battle against the Norwegian child welfare system to reclaim custody of her children. Rani’s portrayal of Debika Chatterjee was lauded for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and fierce maternal instinct.
Krishna Mukherjee shared how proud she was of her daughter’s resilience and journey. “Thirty years of her career, and she got it now. But I’m happy. It feels even more special because Shah Rukh Khan also received his first National Award this year for Jawan. They’ve worked together for so long, and now they’re being honoured together.”
Rani Mukerji’s Career Milestones – 30 Years of Excellence
| Year | Milestone | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Debut in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat | Early promise in dramatic roles |
| 1998 | Breakthrough in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai | Established as mainstream heroine |
| 2002–2005 | Golden phase with Saathiya, Yuva, Black | Critical acclaim and box office success |
| 2014 | Reinvention with Mardaani | Shift to strong, socially relevant roles |
| 2023 | National Award for Mrs Chatterjee | Recognition of emotional storytelling |
Rani’s journey has been marked by versatility—from romantic dramas and thrillers to socially charged narratives. Her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining authenticity has earned her a loyal fan base and respect across generations.
The National Award win also comes at a time when Rani is preparing for her next release, Mardaani 3, scheduled for February 27, 2026. She reprises her role as Shivani Shivaji Roy, a fearless cop tackling cybercrime and trafficking. The film is expected to be a high-octane thriller with a strong social message, continuing Rani’s legacy of impactful cinema.
Upcoming Projects – Rani Mukerji’s Slate
| Film Title | Role | Release Date | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mardaani 3 | Shivani Shivaji Roy | Feb 27, 2026 | Crime Thriller |
| Untitled Biopic | Historical figure (rumoured) | Late 2026 | Drama |
| OTT Series (rumoured) | Investigative journalist | 2027 | Political Thriller |
Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages for Rani, with hashtags like #RaniMukerji, #NationalAward2025, and #BlackDeservedRecognition trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. Fans have shared clips from Black, praising her performance and calling for retrospective recognition.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Rani’s National Award
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 88% celebratory | #RaniMukerji #BlackDeservedAward |
| 1.3M interactions | 85% nostalgic | #RaniInBlack #NationalAward2025 | |
| 950K views | 82% supportive | #RaniMukerjiFans #BollywoodLegends | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% reflective | #BlackExplained #RaniMukerjiTribute |
Industry insiders believe that Rani’s win could pave the way for more nuanced performances to be recognised, especially those that challenge conventional storytelling. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, craft, and the power of cinema to transcend time.
In conclusion, while Rani Mukerji’s National Award for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a moment of celebration, her mother’s heartfelt reflection reminds us of the many performances that shaped her legacy. Black may not have earned her the award back then, but its impact continues to resonate. With her career still evolving and her artistry undiminished, Rani Mukerji remains one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and inspiring figures.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, verified media coverage, and official statements. It does not constitute endorsement or prediction of any award outcome. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official updates from the National Film Awards and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for verified information.
