Rani Mukerji reveals why she wore daughter Adira’s initials at National Awards: 'She started howling when she couldn't come with me...'

Rani Mukerji on wearing Adira's name necklace

Rani Mukerji has finally talked about her first National Film Award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. She opened up about a touching gesture that left everyone talking – the customised necklace she wore to the ceremony in New Delhi.

It wasn’t just jewellery. The necklace carried the initials of her daughter, Adira, and in that simple piece lay a whole story of love. The moment went viral, with fans calling it one of the most beautiful highlights of the day, but for Rani it was deeply personal.

At India Today Conclave, she shared why the necklace meant so much. Adira, she revealed, had been desperate to attend the function but was heartbroken when told children under 14 weren’t allowed. “She was howling because she wanted to be part of the National Award function. She said it was ‘unfair’ that she couldn’t be with me on my special day,” Rani recalled with a smile.

That’s when the idea struck – if her daughter couldn’t be there in person, she would carry her along in spirit. “She’s my lucky charm. I wanted her with me, and this was the closest I could do,” she said.

Later, when reels and posts celebrating her gesture flooded Instagram, Rani made sure to show them to Adira. “I want to thank everyone who made those reels and snippets on Instagram, writing that ‘Rani carried her daughter along.’ I showed them to Adira, and it calmed her down,” she added gratefully.

Also Read: Rani Mukerji dedicates National Award to her late father, writes: "he always dreamt of this moment'

But Rani didn’t stop at personal stories. She also touched on a subject that has followed her through her career – women in a male-dominated industry. She brushed aside old stereotypes, pointing to legends like Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore and Dimple Kapadia, who all continued working after marriage and children. “Each woman should decide for herself what she wants to do,” she said firmly. “If you want to work after marriage, it’s your choice. If you want to be a homemaker, that’s also your right. Being a homemaker is one of the toughest jobs.”

Rani Mukerji will next be seen in YRF's Mardaani 2.