Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji has completed 30 years in cinema, a milestone she recently reflected on during a conversation with filmmaker and close friend Karan Johar at an event in Mumbai. Looking back at her long and varied career, Rani opened up about the emotional moments that defined her journey, including the disappointment of not receiving a National Award for her performance in Black.
Rani admitted that the absence of the honour deeply affected her family, especially her parents. She shared that her early decision to become an actor was driven by a desire to support her family and give them a better life. According to Rani, that motivation kept her focused on work rather than accolades, even though the lack of recognition at the time was painful.
The actor revealed that it was the love and belief shown by audiences, often through fan mail, that reassured her about her choices. She said this connection made her realise the responsibility she had towards viewers, encouraging her to keep choosing meaningful roles and giving her best to every project, regardless of awards.
While acknowledging that not winning the National Award for Black hurt, Rani added that the experience taught her an important lesson early in life. She said that even strong performances may not always receive recognition, and that growth comes from continuing to strive for better work rather than chasing trophies.
Released in 2005, Black won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, while Amitabh Bachchan received the Best Actor honour. Rani’s own National Award moment came much later, in 2025, when she won for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, closing a significant chapter in her journey.
