Actresses who won National Awards for Outstanding Performances

The National Film Awards, India's most prestigious film awards, have always been a benchmark for outstanding cinematic excellence. Over the years, numerous actresses have received the coveted honor for their remarkable performances. Here are some of the recent winners whose roles have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry:

Pallavi Joshi – The Kashmir Files


Pallavi Joshi’s powerhouse performance in The Kashmir Files earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2022. Apart from this, she also won a National Award for The Tashkent Files (2021) in the Best Supporting Actress category. Yet, another time Pallavi won the National Film Award for Woh Chokri (1992) in the Special Jury award category. In the critically acclaimed film, Joshi portrayed the tragic journey of a mother caught in the turmoil of Kashmir during the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Her nuanced portrayal of grief and resilience resonated deeply with audiences.

Alia Bhatt – Gangubai Kathiawadi


Alia Bhatt bagged the Best Actress award for her transformative role as the indomitable Gangubai Kothewali in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Alia's brilliant portrayal of a woman who rises from adversity to become a powerful figure in Mumbai's underworld was praised for its depth and intensity, solidifying her as one of Bollywood's finest actresses.

Kriti Sanon – Mimi


In 2023, Kriti Sanon was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in Mimi (2021), where she played a surrogate mother grappling with unforeseen circumstances. Kriti’s heartfelt performance and ability to balance humor with pathos won her widespread acclaim, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Sridevi – Mom


The late Sridevi posthumously won the National Award for Best Actress in 2018 for her role in Mom. Her portrayal of a mother seeking justice for her daughter in the face of unimaginable trauma was powerful and poignant, further cementing her legacy as one of India's greatest screen legends.

Nithya Menen – Thiruchitrambalam


Nithya Menen won widespread praise and a National Award for her role in the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam (2022). Playing a complex character navigating love and personal challenges, Nithya’s subtle yet impactful performance added a unique charm to the film.

Sonam Kapoor- Neerja

Sonam Kapoor earned a National Film Award Special Mention for her compelling performance in the biographical thriller Neerja. Sonam Kapoor delivered an outstanding performance as Neerja Bhanot, the courageous flight attendant who risked her life to protect the passengers. Sonam brought the character to life with remarkable authenticity, portraying Neerja's bravery and raw emotions with depth and sincerity. Her nuanced performance captured the essence of Neerja's selflessness and heroism, earning her widespread acclaim.

Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi, one of India's finest actors, has won multiple National Film Awards for her exceptional performances. She received Best Actress honors for Ankur (1975), Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985), and Godmother (1999). Renowned for her versatility and depth, Shabana's performances continue to leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema, showcasing her unparalleled acting prowess.