How Rani Mukerji Turned National Award Loss For Black Into Confidence To Tell Inspiring Stories - Exclusive

In her 20s, Rani Mukerji did what most established actors would fail to – Black. Playing a blind girl in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s poetic and haunting drama, the actress had the toughest critic, feeling

melancholy and optimism like never before. She was among the top contenders for the National Award that year. Devastated by the loss, Mukerji had to put on a strong face to protect her heartbroken parents from further pain. Talking about how losing the National Award for Black changed her as an actor, Rani told Times Now Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar that in 2026, she would not be able to pull off a performance of that level.

Rani Mukerji on losing National Award for Black

Rani, who is celebrating positive reviews for Mardaani 3, said, “I was in my 20s when I did Black. As a young girl and a young actor, I still believe in 2026 that I can’t pull off that role again. What happened then on set, the magic, those blessings that came from all, was a once-in-a-lifetime performance for me.” Prioritising her parents and their well-being, Mukerji confessed that she had to take the ‘role of being parent to my parents’ because, “I wanted them not to feel so heartbroken. I hid my disappointment and sadness and wanted them not to feel so bad about it.”

Rani Mukerji's optimistic take

Looking at the brighter side, Rani gathered the courage to deal with the heartbreak by focusing on telling inspiring stories to an audience that matters to her the most. “I am glad it did not happen at that point in time,” she expressed before adding, “As an actor, it gave me more focus. I suddenly became that actor with a horse’s blinkers. You don’t work for awards, you work for the audience’s acceptance and their love.”

Audience beyond awards

Emphasising that audience’s faith in her is ‘a bigger award’, Mukerji shared, “With that single-minded understanding, that helped me shape my career further, I am constantly trying to do something different, shatter the glass ceiling, bring stories that make a difference to me personally, something that I am inspired by.”

Though the National Award came to her late, in 2025 for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, Rani strongly believes that if the audience is not happy with the accolades she receives, it is a disservice to their faith in her talent. “I don’t want to accept an award when my fans feel I did not deserve it. I will not be able to sleep at night if that ever happens,” she said. The actress concluded by saying that if her audience is happy, she will get good sleep. Their stamp of approval is of utmost importance.