Bollywood star Rani Mukerji opened up about her recent National Award win, calling it extra special because it came at the same time as her longtime friend and co-star Shah Rukh Khan’s honor. Sharing her joy during a session at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2025, titled “Queen of Reinvention: National Award to Motherhood, Winning it All,” Rani said the award brings huge happiness to her fans, well-wishers, friends, and family.
“I’ve always focused on working hard and giving my best to my craft without letting down my audience,” she added. “It felt even more special sharing the win with Shah Rukh in the same year.”
Rani also thanked filmmaker Karan Johar for casting her as Tina in the iconic 1998 romantic comedy Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, where she starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan’s Rahul. “I’m eternally grateful to Karan for choosing me as his Tina—that character’s been with me for three decades,” she shared. Fans dubbing it a “Rahul and Tina” moment after their awards? Rani finds it sweet, saying it shows how much people love those characters.
Looking back, Rani recalled her intense role in the 2005 film Black, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. At just 25, she poured everything into it and heard buzz about a possible National Award. When it didn’t happen, she learned a tough lesson. “Even your best work might not pay off right away, so just keep pushing,” she said. Her late father, filmmaker Ram Mukherjee, and Bhansali were both heartbroken that year.
In a touching moment, Rani dedicated her first National Award—after 30 years in the industry—to her dad. “This honor means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamed of this for me,” she said, as quoted in a Yash Raj Films press note. “I miss him so much today. It’s his blessings and my mother’s constant strength that helped me shine as Mrs. Chatterjee.”
Rani earned the Best Actress National Award for her powerful performance in the 2023 legal drama Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, a story that captivated audiences with its real-life-inspired tale of a mother’s fight.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
