Three decades in, and Rani Mukerji isn’t looking back, she’s looking ahead. With 71 films, a fiercely individual journey, and a National Award arriving right on cue, she stands as both a rarity and a reinvention in motion. In an industry quick to sideline women post marriage and motherhood, she’s quietly rewritten the rules, choosing honesty over hype, and substance over noise. At 30 years, this doesn’t feel like a culmination. If anything, it feels like a reset. On the new episode of the Bombay Times Lounge, which dropped this week on the Bombay Times YouTube channel, Rani reflects on the road behind and the road still unfolding.

It feels like I am starting a new journey, because obviously, when I see my earlier films, I don’t look the same. Also, now with my daughter turning 10, I think I’ll have more time to devote to films. I constantly want to reinvent and bring across a Rani to my audience that they haven’t seen before. I’ve been so fortunate that directors, writers and producers have thought of me for these amazing characters that I’ve got to play for the last decade, and that’s the decade where I got married and had a child. Fortunately, that didn’t come in the way of a director choosing me for a role. So, in a way, the audiences and the industry have helped me shatter the glass ceiling. They always say that once you go the family way, it’s the end of the road for an actress. But that’s not always true.

Having said that, while I love being an actress, I enjoy the whole part of being a housewife. I enjoy the fact that I’m a mother to my daughter. I enjoy that I get to look after my husband (Aditya Chopra). It gives me immense joy to see my husband and my daughter support me in my journey in films, as this kind of support is so important for every woman. I know there are so many women who probably want to go out there and work, but don’t have the kind of support they wish they had. So, I’m very grateful for what I have, and I always tell myself to not ever take these things for granted.

I always give importance to the story that needs to be told, without thinking about the box office and other things that come with it. The audience always connects with honesty, irrespective of the genre. The problem happens when stories are adulterated just for the benefit of the box office. Audiences are sensitive enough and instinctive, they can sense a good story and a good film. They are looking for genuine stories, so it is important to be honest about what you are doing.

It felt surreal. I think it was saved for this moment, probably because my daughter was old enough to understand what this means. The only regret I feel is that my dad, who was always my cheerleader, was not there to see it. My National Award has made my fans and well-wishers happier than me, as they have rooted for me all these years.

The change happened instantly. Seeing that little baby, that little piece of your heart and soul, changes everything in a moment. When you talk about the concept of love at first sight and falling in love with someone instantly, I feel the whole concept started when a mother had a baby. Seeing your baby for the first time changes that concept of love at first sight for mothers. That love for your child is unconditional, and it’s something you can’t describe. It could also be a one-way love because you don’t know how much the baby will love you back and for how long (laughs). But really, for me, love at first sight happened with Adira.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black. I think Black taught me to be grateful for the little things that we take for granted – like how we are able to see, talk, hear and walk. The film taught me to be grateful for the gift of being alive.

It was such a happy moment, as it was something that we both were so excited about. I started my journey in the movies with Shah Rukh Khan, and to receive my first National Award standing next to him – that in itself was an honour for me.

Recently, Adira wrote a letter to me where she declared me “the best mom in the world”. For me, that’s the best compliment, and nothing beats that.

Bobby Deol.

Shah Rukh Khan.

For Shilpa Rao, this year’s Diwali feels extra special, as she won the National Award (Best Female Playback Singer) for Chaleya (Jawan) at the 71st National Film Awards. She says, “I am glad that I will be at home this Diwali and get to celebrate with my family and friends. We will gorge on festive food and spend time together, which we don’t get to do often due to my hectic schedules.”

The singer, who was in Ahmedabad recently for an event, talks about celebrating Diwali in an environmentally friendly manner, life after winning the National Award, and more.

Shilpa believes in celebrating the festival “without causing harm to the environment and people around us.” She shares, “Diwali is a festival of lights and happiness. We should celebrate it consciously, without harming the environment through pollution and smoke, which adversely impacts babies and people having breathing issues. Also, in many parts of north India, winter settles in during this time, so the smog is very harmful for everyone. We should celebrate the festival with better practices, and without harming anything.”

Shilpa, who has sung blockbusters like Khuda Jaane, Ghungroo and Besharam Rang, shares, “This National Award is not just my award; it is for everyone who has been part of my journey for years. It feels special because it reflects the mutual appreciation from the jury, audience, critics and the fraternity for me and the song.”

Does she feel the pressure of expectations after this win? She says, “Hard work will always be non-negotiable for me, and I will never take things for granted. My approach will remain the same — making every song different while being myself. I am also looking for songs that challenge me and make me leave my comfort zone. I want to do something I have never done before. Nothing changes when it comes to my efforts, hard work and approach for my upcoming songs.”

She adds, "All my songs featuring Shah Rukh Khan have gained immense popularity, and winning a National Award for a song starring him is a beautiful feeling. He has always been appreciative of everyone and is a true team player. He is always an inspiration."

Vaibhavi Merchant, who received her second National Award for Best Choreography on Tuesday, has spoken about battling health challenges like peripheral vision loss and thyroid issues for the first time. The 49-year-old, who was honoured for Dhindhora Baje Re (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, 2023), opens up about her body transformation.

“I was diagnosed with thyroid in 2017; it is a hereditary issue. Despite working hard and trying several diets, my body showed no results until my endocrinologist put me on a slow, sustainable plan. I also started playing badminton,” she shares.

But soon after, Vaibhavi was diagnosed with an autoimmune trigger. “I had peripheral vision loss in my right eye,” she reveals, adding, “It could be due to the Covid vaccine or the shoot schedule of Tiger 3 (2023). We shot throughout Europe — including Italy, which was badly affected by Covid — and I spent long hours in a mask, which affected a nerve.”

Vaibhavi was put on steroids at the time. She recalls, “It made me gain another 10 kg. To date, people ask me why I wear glasses indoors, but I have to do what I can to protect my eyes. My right eye is still affected, but hasn’t hindered my work.”

Despite the stress on her body, she has learnt to adapt to the situation: “I never gave up, though I still have 5 kg to lose and muscle mass to gain. It’s important to be guided by a doctor, and to love your body the way it is.”

Her slim physique at the ceremony, captured by actors Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, also surfaced on social media. “I got so many messages about how people loved SRK and Rani rooting for me. They made my day special by capturing beautiful photos and videos. Rani is my soul sister, Shah Rukh just knows how to make you feel special,” she ends.

Marking a major milestone in her career, Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress honour at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (2023). While the award was announced in August, the 47-year-old formally accepted it on Tuesday in Delhi from President Droupadi Murmu. Speaking in her first interview after the ceremony, Rani opens up about what the win means to her.

Reflecting on her initial reaction to the win, the 47-year-old says, “It was surreal to hear the news. That day, I was performing a Griha Pravesh puja for my new office, located at the place where my dad (late filmmaker Ram Mukherjee) used to live. I had him on my mind throughout the day. Just after finishing the puja, I received the call informing me about the award. I felt that it was my dad’s blessing; the timing made his presence felt.”

Rani feels winning the award for a film she poured her heart into is even more special: “The character of Devika was someone I had modelled on my own mother (former playback singer Krishna Mukherjee). It feels like both my parents have blessed me with this National Award. It’s a very personal moment.”

The actor expresses that the National Award feels very different from the other awards she has received over the years. “Seeing the joy and pride in my mother’s eyes, and witnessing the happiness of my fans, it feels like this win is more for them than for me,” she explains.

Rani also shares her thoughts on celebrating this moment with actor Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar, who won National Awards this year as well and have worked with her on several films. “It feels like a full circle moment. But I hope this circle becomes more like an eternity ring, something that never ends. My wish, for myself and for all of us, is to keep striving to make stronger Indian films and work hard to elevate our film industry to the best in the world,” she ends.

New Delhi: It was a night of star power and cinematic pride at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday as President Droupadi Murmu honoured stalwarts of Indian cinema at the 71st National Film Awards.

The spotlight, however, belonged to Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey walked away with top honours in acting categories.

Mohanlal, already decorated with the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019), was visibly moved as he accepted Indian cinema’s highest recognition. “I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from Kerala. This moment is not mine alone, it belongs to the entire Malayalam film fraternity,” he said. Sharing the honour with colleagues, he added: “I never dared to dream of this moment. It feels magical, it feels sacred.”

President Murmu presented the award to Mohanlal amid a thunderous standing ovation. Fellow superstar Mammootty called him “a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as someone who “epitomizes excellence and versatility.”

In perhaps the most Bollywood-dominated edition of the awards, Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor in over two decades for his blockbuster ‘Jawan’. “This award is a blessing. ‘Jawan’ was a film made from the heart, and I dedicate this to every fan who has stood by me through the years,” Shah Rukh said.

Actor Vikrant Massey, who shared the Best Actor award with Shah Rukh for ‘12th Fail’, credited director Vidhu Vinod Chopra for his journey. Rani Mukerji was honoured as Best Actress for ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’. “This film was about the power of a mother’s fight. This recognition belongs to every woman who has faced injustice and refused to give up,” Rani told mediapersons.

The Evening reflected cinema’s diversity: ‘Kathal—A Jackfruit Mystery’ was named Best Hindi Film, Sudipto Sen won Best Director for ‘The Kerala Story’, while Shilpa Rao took home Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya from ‘Jawan’.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan’s win at the National Film Awards for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan (2023) has stirred both jubilation and debate. While fans of the actor have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, a section of critics and cinephiles questioned the jury’s decision, some arguing that actor Manoj Bajpayee’s intense portrayal in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023), among others, was more deserving of the honour.

Breaking his silence on the comparisons, Manoj dismissed the backlash surrounding the award decision. While speaking to India Today, the 56-year-old said, “It is a useless conversation because it is gone. When it comes to Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, yes, it is a very special film in my filmography, and so was Joram (2023). But I don’t discuss these things because it is a very loser conversation. It is in the past, and it should be left alone.”

Manoj, a four-time National Award winner, has also raised concerns about the evolving nature of film awards in India. He suggested that many awards, including the National Awards which are awarded by the government, may be losing their artistic credibility in favour of commercial appeal.

He said, “It’s not just about National Awards, it’s about all the awards that used to be revered. They should seriously think about how they are operating. Because it is not about my respect, I take care of my respect very cautiously when I’m choosing a film, but each and every organization has to think of itself. That’s not my job.”

He added, “I think for me, the idea of an award show is wrong. It is just a piece of decoration in your house. Every day, you’re not going to stand in front of it and say, ‘Wow, I got this’.”

Pondering about the past is not in Manoj Bajpayee’s nature. Why should he when the present holds so much promise? But, at a point in our chat, we take him back to Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023), which won Deepak Kingrani the National Film Award for best dialogue. The writer had told mid-day, at the time, that he wished Bajpayee too had won the gong for his powerful performance. Did the actor wish the same?

“More than me, the people associated with the film were sad. I don’t feel sad because a few people [comprising the jury] have decided not to give it to me. They must have their own reasons, with which I may or may not agree. It has happened in the past, even at National Awards, where one truly deserved it, but didn’t get it. If I complain about it, I will sound like a loser. All the award systems in the country have to look within. They have to correct their system. I can’t correct it, right? I’ve moved on,” he says.

He certainly has moved on to a glorious project, Jugnuma — The Fable. Twice in our conversation, he mentions that Raam Reddy’s directorial venture sits right at the top of his three-decade filmography. That’s a huge compliment for the film, which also stars Priyanka Bose, Tillotama Shome, and Deepak Dobriyal.

Bajpayee shares, “Magic realism [was the first draw] to do the film because we don’t make this genre at all. Secondly, the spiritual part of the story spoke to me.”

Another reason was Reddy, who made his directorial debut with the acclaimed Kannada film Thithi (2016). The director and his crew persevered through two pandemic-induced lockdowns and some delays to bring Jugnuma to life. “Then Raam took his time to edit it. He is a purist,” Bajpayee chuckles, before adding, “He is full of ideas, and uncompromising.”

Jugnuma has reminded the actor how much he loves collaborating with relatively new directors. “The film matters to them more than their lives. Their demands are high. I like that push because it’s easy to be content at my age. But the actor in me is so famished all the time. I want to be part of stories told by all these young and imaginative filmmakers.”

But does he ever feel egoistic, given his experience as an actor, while being directed by a relatively inexperienced director? “The awareness is always there. It’s up to you how you push it back. I don’t take it seriously. I don’t even watch my films. I do my film and move on.”

After the 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, the expected followed — a discourse on the wins and the snubs. Fans and social media users were shocked that Prithviraj Sukumaran’s critically acclaimed survival thriller Aadujeevitham, an adaptation of Benyamin’s novel of the same name, was ignored at the coveted awards. Many felt that both Sukumaran as well as director Blessy should have won the Best Actor and Best Director awards, respectively.

With the omission sparking strong backlash, National Awards jury member Pradeep Nair, in an interview, revealed that while the film was in contention, jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker and others “felt the adaptation lacked naturality and the performances didn’t feel authentic”.

A week before the announcement of the National Film Awards, when mid-day sat down with Sukumaran to discuss his latest release Sarzameen, we had asked him about the memes on social media that claimed he might be the frontrunner for the big win.

The actor said, “No award is a goalpost in my mind. All that I ever wanted from that film, I’ve already got. My number one [criterion] was that I wanted the film to work. I wanted people to like my performance, and most importantly, I wanted the world to know that man’s story. All three happened. There’s nothing else that I want from the film. If I get a National Award, great; if I don’t, congratulations to whoever gets it.”

In Aadujeevitham, Sukumaran played Najeeb, a Malayali migrant labourer trapped in Saudi Arabia.

Sudipto Sen’s excitement on winning the National Film Award for Best Director for his film The Kerala Story (2023) was dampened when the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the film for the win. The CM wrote on X, “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar (sic).”

Reacting to this, Sudipto says, “I had a lot of respect for him, but he shouldn’t have said something like this. Had he watched the film, he would understand that it has nothing to do with Kerala. It is about the ISIS model being executed from the state, which is a known fact. In fact, BBC made a film on that.”

Sudipto adds, “People know how ISIS operates in the US and Australia. Pinarayi sir is a respected politician. He should not have made such a loose comment. It’s unfortunate.”

The 2023 film revolves around a group of girls who are coerced into converting to Islam and joining the Islamic state. Sharing how winning the National Film Award is a dream come true for him, the director adds: “When you start your career as a filmmaker, you dream of certain things, and a National Film Award is one of them. But I never saw it coming for this one.”

The 71st National Film Awards couldn’t have gotten starrier than this. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award in his 33-year career for his double role in Jawan (2023). The actor shared the honour with Vikrant Massey, who won it for 12th Fail (2023). Bollywood entertainers seemed to dominate the awards as Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (2023).

On the one hand, Khan’s fans saw the win as overdue, considering his restrained act in Swades (2004) was overlooked by the National Film Awards jury 20 years ago. On the other hand, some social media users called the Jawan win “laughable” and “a joke”.

The Best Director award went to Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story (2023) — a win that will presumably be debated over the next few days. The movie, which centred on the alleged coerced religious conversion of Malayali women, was widely criticized. An elated Sen called the win “validating”.

He told mid-day, “I would’ve been even happier if the film had also taken the top honour, but this recognition validates everything we set out to express through The Kerala Story.”

With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani winning the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, co-writer Ishita Moitra told mid-day, “It’s Karan Johar’s [filmmaker] hard work and love that shines in this film.”

The film also won Vaibhavi Merchant the Best Choreography award. She learnt about the win when we called her. “This is overwhelming. You’ve broken the news to me,” said a surprised Merchant. 

Deepak Kingrani, who bagged the Best Dialogue award for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, said, “This win is important as [it gives us] courage to write and producers to pump money in such films.”

New Delhi: Hindi cinema dominated the 71st National Film Awards on Friday with superstar Shah Rukh Khan winning his career’s first best actor award for ‘Jawan’ alongside Vikrant Massey for ‘12th Fail’, which was also named the best feature film.

Rani Mukerji won the best actress honour for ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’, her first award. The awards for 2023 were announced by jury head Ashutosh Gowariker. He said Shah Rukh had delivered a “powerhouse performance, balancing raw intensity and emotional depth, and bringing to life a hero who fights not just the enemy, but societal boundaries, creating two unforgettable cinema personas”.

Sudipto Sen won the best director award for ‘The Kerala Story’, which also got the cinematography prize. It had sparked a row for its portrayal of women being converted and recruited by ISIS. ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ was the best popular film .

Rani Mukerji, who has clinched the National award for best actress, said, “I’m overwhelmed. For me, this award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry.”

‘Jawan’, which minted over Rs 1,100 crore at box office worldwide, was a highoctane thriller from filmmaker Atlee and featured SRK in the dual role of Army officer Vikram Rathore and his jailor son Azad.

The jury praised Massey’s performance as one that portrayed the transformative journey of a village boy with “raw honesty and emotional depth”. In a statement, Massey (38), said it was a dream come true moment for him.

Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ was recognized as the best film promoting national, social and environmental values and won the award in the make-up & costume category.

Vaibhavi Merchant won the best choreography award for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ song ‘Dhindhora Baaje’, while Shilpa Rao was named best female playback singer for ‘Jawan’ track ‘Chaleya’. Sanya Malhotra-starrer ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery’ was named the best Hindi film.

While Hindi cinema ruled in the main categories, regional movies were recognized in categories such as best supporting actor as well as actress and in technical segments.

Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic) went to Telugu film ‘Hanu-Man’, which also won the best action direction award. The National Award for best screenplay was shared between Telugu movie ‘Baby’ and ‘Parking’.

Filmmaker Ashish Bende won the best debut film by a director for Aatmapamphlet, a coming-of-age drama that resonated with audiences and the jury alike.

Overwhelmed by the recognition, Bende said, “Getting a national award was always a dream for me, but I did not know that my dream would be realized in my directorial debut. Though it is an award for direction, I feel that it is not a solo award but an award for the entire team of Aatmapamphlet. The film was made during Covid-19 pandemic with a lot of effort, and today all those efforts have paid off.”

Bende will receive the Swarna Kamal for this award.

He added, “The Marathi film industry has along legacy of quality films, and today I feel proud that I am part of this rich tradition. The award will personally encourage me to keep doing quality work.”