New Delhi, September 27, 2025 — Acclaimed actress Rani Mukerji, who was recently honoured with the Best Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, revealed that her daughter Adira was deeply upset at not being able to attend the prestigious ceremony.
Speaking in an interview with India Today, Mukerji shared that her daughter had been eagerly looking forward to witnessing the event but was left heartbroken upon learning that children under the age of 14 were not permitted at the function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. “She was howling because she wanted to be part of the National Award function,” Mukerji said. “She said it was ‘unfair’ that she couldn’t be with me on my special day.”
To honour her daughter’s presence in spirit, the actress wore a gold necklace engraved with Adira’s name. The gesture quickly gained attention online, with fans and media noting the emotional significance behind the accessory. Mukerji later showed her daughter Instagram reels and snippets from the ceremony that highlighted the necklace, which helped comfort the young girl. “I want to thank everyone who made those reels and snippets on Instagram, writing that ‘Rani carried her daughter along.’ I showed them to Adira, and it calmed her down,” she added.
Mukerji also expressed her gratitude for receiving the National Award, calling it a milestone in her 30-year acting career. “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,” she said. She credited her mother’s strength and her fans’ unwavering support as key sources of inspiration throughout her journey.
The ceremony also saw Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey jointly win the Best Actor award for Jawan and 12th Fail, respectively. Mukerji was seated beside Khan during the event, marking a reunion of two long-time collaborators.
The 71st National Film Awards celebrated cinematic excellence across India, with President Droupadi Murmu conferring honours on films released in 2023. Mukerji’s win for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, a film based on a real-life custody battle, was widely praised for its emotional depth and powerful portrayal of motherhood.
