The 71st National Film Awards were held in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, and the biggest personalities in Indian cinema attended the star-studded event. President Droupadi Murmu honoured Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, Rani Mukerji, Ekta Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Meghna Gulzar for their contributions to Indian cinema.
Among all the sparkle and splendour, Rani Mukerji stole the show in her own subtle, sophisticated style. Rani Mukerji, who won the Best Actress National Film Award for her role in Mrs Chatterjee versus Norway (2023), wore a heritage saree designed by her favourite designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, for her big night. However, there was another thing that we almost overlooked.
Rani`s adorable chain with Adira`s name
Rani Mukerji wore her daughter Adira`s name on a simple gold chain in a lovely tribute to her child. The star, who has previously spoken about keeping her daughter`s existence private, attended the 71st National Film Awards in spirit. It was also a subtle nod to her role in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Rani Mukerji starred in the film as a woman fighting for custody of her children after they are taken away by Norwegian authorities. In addition to the chain, Rani Mukerji donned a double-layered choker necklace and beautiful dangler earrings.
The actress once explained why photographers are not permitted to photograph Adira, who was born to Rani Mukerji and filmmaker Aditya Chopra on December 9, 2015. On Karan Johar`s celebrity chat show, Rani Mukerji once stated, “I tell them. Do not snap pictures of the newborn. They stare into my eyes and get terrified.” She also commended the photographers for maintaining her daughter`s privacy. “I have to thank all of the paparazzi and media people. “They really love me because they respect that,” she explained.
Rani on receiving her first National Award
Earlier, while receiving the honour, the actress had shared, “I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Incidentally, this is the first-ever National Award in my 30-year career. As an actor, I have been fortunate to have some incredible films in my body of work and have got so much love for them. I thank the National Award jury for honouring my work in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. I share this moment with the entire team of the film, my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this truly special project that celebrated the resilience of motherhood. 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 of ours.”
