Actor Rani Mukerji recently opened up about a memorable chapter in her career—the time she did not win a National Award for her acclaimed performance in Black (2005). Speaking at an event in Delhi, Rani reflected on how her father, the late filmmaker Ram Mukerji, and Black director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, were both deeply disappointed when she was overlooked for the honour.
Rani Mukerji says missing National Award for Black left her father and Bhansali heartbroken: “I gave my all in Black”
Rani shared that there had been strong speculation around her winning a National Award that year, but things didn’t turn out as expected. “I gave my all in Black, and I was only 25 when I did that film,” she said. “There was chatter that I would win, and when I didn’t, that’s when my blinkers came on. I realised that even when you give your best, things may not always go your way.” She went on to recall how the experience affected her personally and professionally. “I have to be honest—my father was very disappointed. My baba was heartbroken that I didn’t win that year. So was Sanjay, who directed the film,” she added. “But I also believe that when things are meant to happen, they will. The way India and my fans supported me—it couldn’t have been better than that.”
Black, released in 2005, was co-written, directed, and co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film starred Rani Mukerji alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Ayesha Kapur, Shernaz Patel, and Dhritiman Chatterjee. Loosely inspired by the life and writings of Helen Keller, the film followed the journey of Michelle, a young woman who is deaf, mute, and blind, and her bond with her teacher Debraj, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who later develops Alzheimer’s disease.
While Rani did not win a National Award for her performance in the film, Black received several top honours at the 53rd National Film Awards, including Best Actor (Amitabh Bachchan), Best Feature Film in Hindi, and Best Costume Design.
Years later, Rani finally received her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Directed by Ashima Chibber, the film was inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty, an Indian mother who fought against Norway’s child welfare services in 2011 after her children were taken from her.
Looking ahead, Rani Mukerji is set to return to the big screen in Mardaani 3, where she will reprise her role as fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. The action thriller, directed by Abhiraj Minawala, is scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026.
Also Read: Before Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Leela Bhansali wanted Rani Mukerji as Gangubai: Aditya Narayan
More Pages: Black Box Office Collection
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