They say talent finds its way—sometimes decades later. This year, at the 71st National Film Awards, Rani Mukerji was honored with the Best Actress award for her searing, emotionally charged performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Refer: The Economic Times.

In her own words, the recognition felt like “validation of my 30-year body of work”—a deeply moving milestone for an actor of her caliber, as per The Times of India.

This role struck more than a chord—it built a bridge between art and real life. Rani stepped into the shoes of a grieving yet unstoppable mother, portraying Sagarika Chakraborty’s true story with such grace and grit that it resonated across borders. This award honors not just her craft but also amplifies the powerful narrative of maternal love and resilience.

It’s even more stirring when you consider Rani’s look in the film: she often draped herself in traditional Dhakai Jamdani sarees, a style that grounded her character in authentic Bengali identity and added immeasurable emotional texture to her performance, IndyVogue.