Rani Mukerji’s Mother Says National Award Came ‘Too Late’: ‘She Deserved It For Black’

After over three decades in Bollywood, Rani Mukerji finally brought home her first-ever National Award for Best Actress — an achievement that has filled her family with pride and emotion. However, her mother, Krishna Mukherjee, believes the honour was long overdue and that Rani truly deserved national recognition much earlier, especially for her acclaimed performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2005 classic Black.

Rani Mukerji’s Mother Reacts to Her National Award Win

Speaking to the media and photographers at a Durga Puja pandal in Mumbai, Krishna Mukherjee expressed her joy over Rani’s big win while also reflecting on how late it came in her daughter’s career.

“I am happy that she got a National Award. But it came very late. She should have got it for

Black, I think so. But today, I am very proud of her,” Krishna said with a smile, surrounded by well-wishers celebrating the occasion.

She was joined by Chitrani Lahiri, wife of the late music legend Bappi Lahiri, who echoed her sentiments. “Rani is like my daughter. We are very overwhelmed to know that she got the National Award so late. She has done a wonderful job in Black. I don’t know how people didn’t understand her talent at that time. They should have given her the award long back. After 30 years, she is finally getting it,” she remarked.

Agreeing with Lahiri, Krishna added, “Yes, 30 years of her career, and she got it now. But I am happy.” She also mentioned that it felt extra special since Shah Rukh Khan — Rani’s long-time co-star and dear friend — also won his first National Award this year for his performance in Jawan. “It feels great that both of them received it together after so many years,” she said fondly.

Rani’s Journey and Her Long-Awaited Recognition

Rani Mukerji was honoured at the 71st National Film Awards 2025 for her powerful performance in Ashima Chibber’s Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, which was inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother who fought the Norwegian child welfare system to reunite with her children. The film earned widespread acclaim for Rani’s emotionally charged portrayal of maternal resilience and heartbreak.

Her win marks a full-circle moment for the actress, who has previously delivered several critically lauded performances in films such as Black, Mardaani, No One Killed Jessica, and Hichki.

Remembering Black — The Performance That Deserved It First

Directed and co-written by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Black (2005) remains one of Rani’s most defining films. Starring alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Rani played Michelle McNally, a deaf, mute, and blind woman whose relationship with her aging teacher forms the emotional core of the story. The film was inspired by the life of author-activist Helen Keller and went on to win multiple National Awards, including Best Actor (Bachchan) and Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Despite widespread acclaim and several Filmfare wins, many felt Rani’s performance in Black was snubbed at the national level — a sentiment now echoed by her mother.

What’s Next for Rani Mukerji

After the success of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Rani is all set to return in an action-packed avatar in Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala. The third instalment of the hit franchise will see Rani reprising her role as fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy and is slated for a February 27, 2026 theatrical release.

From Black to Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Rani’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance, artistry, and emotional depth — and while the honour may have come late, it has finally arrived right where it belongs.