Indian Actresses Who Won National Awards In The Last Decade: Late Sridevi, Kangana To Keerthy Suresh

The National Film Award is one of the highest honours for artists and technicians working in the Indian film industry, recognizing their exceptional talent and dedication to cinema. Over the past 10 years, we have witnessed some career-defining performances from new-age actresses like Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Keerthy Suresh, and Kangana Ranaut. These actresses have brought diverse and complex characters to life with panache, delivering some of their finest work. Their remarkable performances have not only earned them the prestigious National Award but have also left a lasting impact on Indian cinema, solidifying their place as true icons. Here's a list of some of the actresses who have won the National Film Award for Best Actress in the past decade:

The late legendary Sridevi, who is hailed as the first-ever female superstar of Indina cinema, won the National Film Award for Best Actress posthumously for her powerful performance in the 2017 film Mom. In the role of a mother who seeks justice after a traumatic event involving her daughter, Sridevi displayed her unparalleled acting prowess in a performance that was both subtle and intensely emotional. Her remarkable legacy in Indian cinema continues to inspire and resonate with fans worldwide.

In 2016, Surabhi Lakshmi won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her heartfelt portrayal in Minnaminungu – The Firefly. She played the role of a single mother, showcasing immense strength, vulnerability, and resilience. The film touched hearts with its raw storytelling, and Surabhi’s performance was widely celebrated for its emotional depth and sincerity.  

In 2022, Nithya Menen bagged the National Film Award for Best Actress for her delightful and nuanced portrayal in Thiruchitrambalam. Playing the character of a free-spirited woman with an independent mindset, Nithya captivated audiences with her ability to balance humour and heartache. The film, a blend of romance and family drama, showcased Nithya’s versatility, and her performance was widely appreciated for its natural charm and depth.

Manasi Parekh won the National Film Award for her remarkable performance in the 2022 film Kutch Express. The film, which tells a moving story set against the backdrop of an emotional journey, saw Manasi’s character struggle with grief and self-discovery. Her performance was noted for its understated strength and elegance, and she beautifully brought to life the complexity of her role.

Kriti Sanon won the prestigious National Award for her stellar performance in Mimi (2021), where she portrayed a surrogate mother. Her portrayal was raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional, showcasing her remarkable acting range. From comic timing to heartfelt drama, Kriti brought depth to the role, proving her versatility and mettle as an actress.

Keerthy Suresh's Mahanati (2018) showcased her exceptional versatility, winning her the National Award. Her portrayal of legendary actress Savitri was both heartfelt and transformative, proving her remarkable acting skills and depth in embodying a complex, iconic character.

Kangana Ranaut has won four National Awards for her standout performances: Best Supporting Actress for Fashion (2008), Best Actress for Queen (2014), Best Actress for Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015), and Best Actress for Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019). She earned her last National Film Award for the 2020 film Panga. Kangana’s career is marked by consistent, blockbuster performances showcasing unmatched versatility.

Aparna Balamurali received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her brilliant performance in Soorarai Pottru (2020). Playing the role of a strong-willed and supportive wife of an ambitious man, Aparna brought authenticity and emotional depth to the character. Her performance was a perfect complement to Suriya's role, and the film’s powerful narrative of ambition and perseverance made it a standout in Tamil cinema.

Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Gangubai Kathiawadi in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) was a career-defining performance, earning her the National Award. She brought the real-life character to life with unmatched intensity, expertly navigating a range of emotions from vulnerability to strength, proving her immense talent.