But as the news of Krishna’s passing spread, an old clip from last year’s Durga Puja celebrations resurfaced online, showing her speaking freely about her daughter’s accolades. NewPARA During the interview, Krishna said, “I’m happy she won her first National Award, but it’s too late. She should have gotten it for Black.” The clip, filmed on a bustling Jatra stage, gives the audience a raw, unedited glimpse of a mother proud yet wistful.
The mother’s voice was the first one to push Rani into the limelight after a hesitant start. While her father, filmmaker Ram Mukherjee, originally discouraged her from acting, it was Krishna’s pragmatic insistence that secured her first role in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. In a 2024 interview with Karan Johar, Rani said, “I didn’t see it then that my mum was trying to lift our family out of a tight spot.” That early support set the stage for her breakout in Ghulam and the iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
In 2005, Rani’s portrayal of a deaf‑blind woman in Black earned her critical acclaim, yet the National Award slipped away to another film that year. The late mother’s remark, now amplified by social media, reignites the debate about the film’s cultural impact and the Academy’s selection process. Critics note that Black’s layered narrative and Rani’s nuanced performance made a strong case for the award.
Fans and colleagues alike flooded Instagram and Twitter with tributes. Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Ayan Mukerji posted heartfelt messages, echoing the sentiment that Krishna’s support was pivotal. The Mahindra & Mahindra team, who were producing Black, released a short video montage of behind‑the‑scenes moments, underscoring how the mother’s influence rippled through the cast and crew.
As Rani reflects on her journey, she nods to the quiet hand that guided her: “If I had known then how many doors it would open, I would have been even more determined.” The industry now has a fresh lens to view her career trajectory, from a cautious newcomer to a powerhouse who once nearly missed her first National Award.
Looking ahead, Rani’s next project, a collaboration with director Anurag Kashyap, is slated for release next year. While the mother’s legacy lives on, the conversation around Black’s deserved recognition reminds audiences that sometimes the most powerful stories are those told behind the camera.