National Award Win and Dedication
Rani Mukerji recently received her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. At the ceremony, she was accompanied by her long-time collaborator Shah Rukh Khan, who also received his first National Award for Best Actor. Rani dedicated her award to her late father, filmmaker Ram Mukherjee, expressing that the honor meant the world to her and was a realization of a dream he always had for her.
Recalling ‘Rahul-Tina’ Memories
During the event, Rani reminisced about her iconic role as Tina in Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), where she starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan. She expressed gratitude to Karan Johar for casting her in the role, which she described as a character that has stuck with her throughout her career. The duo’s pairing was fondly remembered by fans, often referred to as ‘Rahul-Tina’, highlighting the enduring impact of their on-screen chemistry.
Reflecting on ‘Black’ and Career Expectations
Rani also opened up about her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black (2005), where she portrayed Michelle McNally, a deaf-blind girl. Despite her acclaimed performance, she did not receive the National Award that year, a setback that deeply affected her and her father. She recalled that her father was heartbroken over the loss, which led her to realize that even the best efforts might not always lead to recognition. However, she found solace in the fact that Black went on to win several awards, including Best Feature Film at the National Film Awards.