New Delhi, September 24, 2025 — Celebrated actress Rani Mukerji has won her first National Film Award for Best Actress at the 71st National Film Awards, held in New Delhi. She received the honour for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a film inspired by the true story of an immigrant mother’s battle against foreign authorities to reclaim custody of her children.
Mukerji accepted the award from President Droupadi Murmu, marking a milestone in her 30-year acting career. In an emotional statement, she dedicated the award to her late father, Ram Mukherjee, saying, “This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me. I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee” 1][2].
She also paid tribute to mothers across the globe, stating, “This award is a tribute to all the mothers around the world — their strength, courage, and unconditional love. As a mother myself, this role was incredibly personal. Through this film, we tried to honour the spirit of motherhood and I hope it serves as a reminder of the quiet power women carry within them every single day” 1][4].
Mukerji expressed deep gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support, adding, “Your love has been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy to see how happy you are” [1].
She also acknowledged the contributions of her team, including director Ashima Chibber and producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani, and Madhu Bhojwani. “I share this award with my brilliant director Ashima, my producers, and everyone at Zee who brought this film together. Above all, I thank my entire cast and crew from Estonia and India, especially for their dedication during the challenges of the COVID period,” she said 1][2].
Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway has been widely praised for its emotional depth and social relevance. Mukerji’s portrayal of Debika Chatterjee, a mother fighting against all odds in a foreign land, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Other notable winners at the 71st National Film Awards included Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal, Vikrant Massey, and Karan Johar.
