New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) Renowned for her impactful performances, actress Rani Mukerji has achieved a significant milestone by winning her inaugural National Award after over three decades in the industry. She dedicates this prestigious recognition to her late father, Ram Mukherjee.

Rani received the Best Actress National Award for her role in the film “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway,” a gripping legal drama directed by Ashima Chibber. The film features an ensemble cast including Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta, and Jim Sarbh.

Expressing her emotions, Rani stated: “I’m truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me.”

She further added: “I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee.”

Rani extended her gratitude to her fans: “Thank you for being by my side through every high and low. Your unwavering love and support has been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy to see how happy you are.”

She emphasized that this award belongs to her incredible director Ashima, as well as producers Nikkhil, Monisha, and Madhu.

“Above all, I thank my entire cast and crew from Estonia and India without whom this film could not have been made, especially during the challenges of the COVID period. The entire team of Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway poured their hearts into this powerful story, and I’m deeply grateful to each one of them.”

Rani also thanked the esteemed National Award jury for recognizing her work.

“This film, and this moment, will always hold a special place in my heart. This award is also a tribute to all the mothers around the world - their strength, courage and unconditional love.”

The film is based on the real-life ordeal of Sagarika Chakraborty and Anurup Bhattacharya, an Indian immigrant couple whose children were taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011.

Speaking about the film, Rani remarked: “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a story that moved me deeply because it captures the unbreakable spirit of an immigrant mother, fighting against all odds in a foreign land to protect her child.”

“As a mother myself, this role was incredibly personal. Through this film, we tried to honour the spirit of motherhood and I hope it serves as a reminder of the quiet power women carry within them every single day.”