In an inspiring moment, the 74-year-old, Surekha Sikri, our favorite dadi who played the role of Durga Devi Kaushik, aka Nakul’s (Ayushmann Khurana) grandmother in Badhaai Ho, accepted National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in a wheelchair.
In order to applaud her great performance and determination, she got a standing ovation by the crowd as she received her award. And, what makes this so special is the fact that it is Surekha Sikri’s third National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. In the past, she has won the award for her roles in Tamas (1988) and Mammo (1995).
Being one of the most versatile and brilliant actors of the Indian film industry, it was heartening to see Surekha receive the recognition she deserves. When she arrived in a wheelchair to accept her National Film Award with a smiling face, everyone welcomed her with a loud cheer and a standing ovation.
Not many of us know that Surekha had suffered a brain stroke last year. And, when she was seen collecting her award in a wheelchair, the people continued applauding her until she accepted the award and left the stage.
Had the opportunity to interview #SurekhaSikri ji recently in Mumbai for #GhostStories and I was totally in awe of her undying spirit and the ‘bring it on’ attitude. In this condition also, she doesn’t want to stop working and give interviews. Respect. Salute. #badhaaiho https://t.co/GgdUazDeq7
— Monika Rawal (@monikarawal) December 23, 2019
Oh man, can’t see her confined to a wheelchair. Such a legend! #SurekhaSikri ❤️ https://t.co/QlYfDq2Xxs
— Divya Vinekar (@WannabeSanyasin) December 23, 2019
While talking to IANS after the ceremony, an overwhelmed Surekha Sikri shared:
“I am feeling really excited about this. It makes me so happy. I want to congratulate the writers of the film. They wrote a very good script. I also thank Amit Sharma for directing this film.”
After making her debut in 1978 with the political drama “Kissa Kursi Ka”, Surekha has carved her space not only in films, television but also theatre. At IFORHER, we applaud Surekha’s determination and persistence and hope her story will inspire many of us to give our best to what we love.