National Awards 2024: Manasi Parekh Wins Best Actress for Kutch Express

The 70th National Film Awards, announced on August 16, 2024, brought remarkable recognition to talented actresses Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh. Both artists tied for the prestigious Best Actress in a Leading Role award, marking a significant achievement in their careers.

Nithya Menen's outstanding performance in the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam earned her this honor. The film, released in August 2022, quickly became a sleeper hit, praised for its heartwarming storyline and strong performances. Directed by Mithran Jawahar, the movie features Nithya as Shobana, the supportive best friend of Thiru, played by Dhanush. The narrative revolves around Thiru, a delivery boy with a strained relationship with his father, who is a police officer. The film's relatable characters and engaging plot resonated with audiences, making it a commercial success with a worldwide collection of over Rs 100 crore. Nithya’s portrayal of Shobana was not only celebrated at the National Film Awards but also earned her the Best Actress (Critics) award at the Filmfare South Awards.

On the other hand, Manasi Parekh's role in the Gujarati film Kutch Express also earned her the Best Actress award. Released in January 2022, Kutch Express tells the empowering story of a woman who discovers her husband's infidelity and finds her own strength. Manasi not only starred in the lead role but also took on the responsibility of producing the film. The movie, which also features veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah and Darsheel Safari, highlights the beauty of the Kutch region and challenges the stereotypical perceptions of Gujarati cinema.

In an interview, Manasi emphasized the need for Gujarati cinema to explore diverse stories and break away from clichés to gain wider recognition. Both Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh's achievements reflect the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where regional films are gaining the appreciation they deserve on a national platform.