Rani Mukerji’s National Award Win Comes with a Heartfelt Tribute to Daughter Adira
Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards for her powerful role in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. She attended the ceremony in a traditional Sabyasachi saree, paying tribute to her daughter Adira with a personalized gold chain.
The 71st National Film Awards were held in a grand ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu honoured some of the most celebrated names in Indian cinema.
Among the recipients were actors Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, Rani Mukerji, and filmmakers Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Meghna Gulzar, recognised for their exceptional contributions to the film industry.
Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji was awarded the Best Actress National Award for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (2023), a courtroom drama inspired by real-life events.
Mukerji portrayed Debika Chatterjee, an Indian mother who battles the Norwegian child welfare system to regain custody of her children after they were taken away by authorities. The film resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling.
For the prestigious occasion, Mukerji opted for a traditional yet elegant look. She wore a hand-dyed Benarasi saree designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee — a piece she personally selected for the ceremony.
The actress left her hair open, completing a look that blended simplicity with heritage charm.
Her ensemble was paired with a pearl choker, hanging earrings, and a gold chain bearing her daughter’s name, Adira, a touching tribute to her only child. The gold chain bearing Adira’s name was a symbolic nod to the deep bond she shares with her daughter.
Rani has consistently been protective of Adira's privacy, often requesting photographers to refrain from clicking her daughter’s pictures — a request she says the paparazzi have respectfully honoured.
With her win at the National Awards, Rani Mukerji not only adds another feather to her cap but also reaffirms her position as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and impactful performers. Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway stands as a testament to her ability to bring raw emotion and strength to the big screen.
The ceremony celebrated the best of Indian cinema, showcasing stories that reflect both personal and societal battles, and recognising the artists who bring these narratives to life.
