Veteran actress Rani Mukerji has been honoured with the Best Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The award marks a significant milestone in her career, reaffirming her status as one of the finest performers in Indian cinema.
Directed by Ashima Chibber, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a legal drama inspired by true events. The film is based on the heart-wrenching story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother whose children were taken away by Norwegian child welfare services in 2011. Rani portrays Debika Chatterjee, a mother who wages a fierce legal and emotional battle against an entire foreign system to reunite with her children.
The film opened in theatres on 17 March 2023 and received widespread critical acclaim. Rani’s performance stood out for its emotional depth and conviction. From raw vulnerability to fiery determination, she captured the struggles of a mother wronged by bureaucracy, winning over both audiences and critics.
Rani Mukerji’s portrayal resonated far beyond the screen, bringing attention to issues of cultural misunderstanding, immigrant trauma, and maternal rights. Her performance not only earned her accolades at several award functions throughout the year but also sparked conversations on international child custody laws and human rights.
This National Award adds to Rani’s already impressive legacy. With Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, she delivered one of the most poignant performances of her career — a reminder of how cinema can reflect real struggles and still inspire hope.