Actor Manasi Parekh has been awarded the Best Actress National Award for her outstanding performance as Monghi in the Gujarati film Kutch Express. The prestigious accolade was presented during the 69th National Film Awards ceremony held on 8 October 2023, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu officiating the event. Parekh proudly shared this honour with actress Nithya Menen, who was awarded for her role in the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam.
Overcome with emotion upon receiving the award, Parekh expressed her deep gratitude, emphasizing that this recognition validates her dedication to portraying Monghi. Directed by Viral Shah, Kutch Express features a talented ensemble cast, including Ratna Pathak Shah, Dharmendra Gohil, Darsheel Safary, and Viraf Patel.
This award marks a significant milestone in Parekh’s career, highlighting her contributions to Indian cinema. Her triumph not only celebrates her talent but also inspires aspiring actors, particularly women, in the industry. With her exceptional work, Parekh continues to pave the way for more excellent representation and empowerment of women in Indian cinema, demonstrating the profound impact of storytelling through film.