India, Sept. 25 -- Marking a major milestone in her career, Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress honour at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023). While the award was announced in August, the 47-year-old formally accepted it on Tuesday in Delhi from President Droupadi Murmu. Speaking in her first interview after the ceremony, Rani opens up about what the win means to her. Reflecting on her initial reaction to the win, the 47-year-old says, "It was surreal to hear the news. That day, I was performing a Griha Pravesh puja for my new office, located at the place where my dad (late filmmaker Ram Mukherjee) used to live. I had him on my mind throughout the day. Just after finishing the puja, I received the call informing me about the award. I felt that it was my dad's blessing; the timing made his presence felt." Rani feels winning the award for a film she poured her heart into is even more special: "The character of Devika was someone I had modelled on my own mother (former playback singer Krishna Mukherjee). It feels like both my parents have blessed me with this National Award. It's a very personal moment." The actor expresses that the National Award feels very different from the other awards she has received over the years. "Seeing the joy and pride in my mother's eyes, and witnessing the happiness of my fans, it feels like this win is more for them than for me," she explains. Rani also shares her thoughts on celebrating this moment with actor Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar, who won National Awards this year as well and have worked with her on several films. "It feels like a full circle moment. But I hope this circle becomes more like an eternity ring, something that never ends. My wish, for myself and for all of us, is to keep striving to make stronger Indian films and work hard to elevate our film industry to the best in the world," she ends....