Actor Rani Mukerji has been conferred with the Vande Mataram Puraskar, the West Bengal Governor’s Award of Excellence, in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema. The honour comes in a significant year for the actor, as she completes 30 years in the film industry.
In a statement issued on the occasion, Rani Mukerji expressed her gratitude and reflected on her personal and cultural ties to West Bengal. She also acknowledged her parents and the influence of Bengali culture on her life and career. Her full statement reads, “Today, my heart is filled with a kind of emotion that is difficult to put into words. Winning the Governor’s Award of Excellence – the Vande Mataram Puraskar – on my 30th year in cinema feels incredibly humbling. This honour is not just a recognition of my work—it feels like a homecoming, a warm hug from West Bengal, my roots. I only hope I have done you proud and will continue doing so.
Though my journey as an actor unfolded largely in Hindi cinema, my roots have always been deeply, unmistakably Bengali. They live in my values, in my discipline, in my love for art, literature, and above all, in the way I see life—with resilience, warmth, and quiet strength.
I was born into a family where celebrating culture was a way of living. Music, cinema, storytelling, and intellectual curiosity were part of everyday conversation. And at the centre of that world stood my mother.
My parents , proud Bengalis, taught me that strength does not need to be loud. They taught me grace, self-respect, and the importance of standing your ground with dignity. Whatever courage I have shown in my career, whatever choices I have dared to make, have come from watching them live their life with honesty. This honour belongs as much to them as it does to me and I wish my mother and me could have been here amongst all of you today. I sincerely regret not being able to make it but I thank you from the bottom of my heart for honouring me with one of the highest civilian awards of West Bengal!
“Bengal has always been the land of thinkers, poets, rebels, and artists. From Tagore to Ray, this soil has given India minds and voices that changed the way we think and feel. To be acknowledged by this land is a privilege I will carry with deep humility. I accept this honour with gratitude, with pride, and with a renewed sense of responsibility—to continue contributing to Indian cinema with sincerity, and to always remain worthy of the values Bengal has given me.
Thank you, West Bengal, for always claiming me as your own and always showering so much love on your child. It is truly precious.”, it read further.
The Vande Mataram Puraskar is among the highest civilian honours awarded by the state of West Bengal and is presented to individuals for excellence and distinguished service in their respective fields.
On the professional front, Rani Mukerji will next be seen in Mardaani 3, directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra. The film continues the Mardaani franchise, which has previously addressed issues such as human trafficking and violent crime. The third instalment is expected to explore another serious social issue, in line with the themes established by the earlier films.
Mardaani 3 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 30, 2026. The film also coincides with Rani Mukerji’s 30-year milestone in cinema, making the year particularly notable in her career.
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The post Rani Mukerji extends heartfelt gratitude as West Bengal Governor honours her with Vande Mataram Puraskar for completing 30 years in Cinema appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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