Snehashish roy
Rani Mukerji recently opened up about a deeply personal moment in her career—the time she didn’t win the National Award for her performance in Black(2005), despite high expectations. Speaking at an event in Delhi, the actress shared how her father, veteran filmmaker Ram Mukerji, reacted to the outcome, and how it shaped her perspective on fame and recognition.
The critically acclaimed film Black, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, featured Rani in a demanding role as Michelle, a deaf, mute, and blind woman. At just 25 years old, Rani delivered a performance that was widely praised, and many believed she was the frontrunner for the National Award for Best Actress that year.
“There was chatter that I would win,” Rani recalled. “I gave my all in Black. I was just 25 at the time, and I poured everything into that role. But when I didn’t win, that’s when my blinkers came on. I realised that even when you do your best work, things might not always go your way.”
Rani shared that the disappointment wasn’t hers alone. “I have to be honest and tell you that my father was very disappointed. My baba was heartbroken that I didn’t win. So was Sanjay, the director of the film,” she said.
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Despite the letdown, Rani emphasized the importance of perspective and timing. “When things are meant to happen, they happen. The way India and my fans cheered for me—it couldn’t have been better than that.”
Black was co-written, directed, and co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Ayesha Kapur, Shernaz Patel, and Dhritiman Chatterjee. It was inspired by the life and writings of Helen Keller, focusing on the intense journey of a differently-abled woman and her teacher, who eventually develops Alzheimer’s disease. The film went on to win several National Awards, including Best Actor for Amitabh Bachchan, Best Feature Film in Hindi, and Best Costume Design. However, Rani’s exclusion from the winners’ list was widely discussed at the time.
Fast forward to 2023, Rani finally received her first National Award for Best Actress for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Directed by Ashima Chibber, the film is inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother who fought against Norwegian child welfare services to reunite with her children in 2011.
Reflecting on her long journey, Rani said that awards are not always the final measure of an artist’s worth. “It’s about the connection you make with your audience and the impact your work leaves behind,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Rani is set to return to the big screen in a bold, action-packed role with Mardaani 3. Directed by Abhiraj Minawala, the third instalment of the popular Mardaani franchise is scheduled to release on February 27, 2026. The film promises to showcase Rani once again as the fierce and determined cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, a character that has already earned her widespread acclaim.
Rani’s journey, marked by highs and lows, stands as a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her story not only reflects the unpredictable nature of awards and recognition but also highlights the emotional investments made by artists and their families behind the scenes.