Sachana Namidass wins 1st National Award; breaks down in tears of joy

Sachana Namidass celebrated a landmark moment in her career after she was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal in Nithilan Saminathan’s 2024 film Maharaja. The announcement came on Saturday evening during the ceremony that highlighted the year’s most outstanding Indian cinema.

When the winners were revealed, Namidass was visibly overwhelmed. She posted a video on social media in which she could not stop crying as her family and friends congratulated her. In the clip, she remarked, “The little girl who dared to dream never imagined her first film would bring home a National Award. Forever grateful.” The emotional reaction underscored how significant this recognition was for her, marking the first National Award in her acting career.

In a heartfelt thank‑you note that followed, Namidass described the honor as “one of the greatest blessings” of her life. She expressed gratitude to director Nithilan Saminathan, praising his belief in her and the guidance that made the journey memorable. She also thanked Vijay Sethupathi for his constant encouragement, calling it an absolute honor to work alongside such an inspiring artist. The actress dedicated the award to her family, especially her twin sister, acknowledging their unwavering support and love.

“This achievement belongs to my beloved family, whose love, sacrifices, and prayers have always been my greatest strength,” Namidass wrote. She added that the award was as much theirs as it was hers, highlighting the collective effort that brought her to this point.

“Maharaja” was directed by Nithilan Saminathan and produced by The Route, Think Studios and Passion Studios. The film features Vijay Sethupathi as the titular Maharaja, with Namidass playing his daughter Jothi, and Anurag Kashyap as Selvam. The story follows a father who files a police complaint over a missing dustbin named Lakshmi, only to reveal a deeper motive for revenge. The film earned ₹199.20 crore at the box office, cementing its commercial success alongside critical acclaim.