Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took home the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) award at the SIIMA 2024 awards in Dubai, recognizing her powerful performance in Ponniyin Selvan: II. The star, who portrayed the character of Nandini in the Mani Ratnam-directed historical epic, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, expressing her deep connection with the project.
Joining Aishwarya at the star-studded event was her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. Videos and photos that surfaced on social media showed Aaradhya proudly capturing her mother’s winning moment on her phone. The mother-daughter duo also shared the spotlight as they walked the red carpet together at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and sat together in the front row during the event.
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During the event, Aishwarya and Aaradhya were also seen meeting Aishwarya’s Ponniyin Selvan co-star, Chiyaan Vikram. A video of Vikram greeting Aishwarya and warmly holding Aaradhya’s hand has circulated online, adding to the fan excitement. The trio, who shared screen space in Ponniyin Selvan I and II, were seated together during the awards show, further fueling the buzz.
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When accepting her award from filmmaker Kabir Khan, Aishwarya Rai delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on her win. She expressed gratitude to SIIMA for recognizing her work, stating, “It means the world to me because Ponniyin Selvan was a movie so close to my heart, directed by my guru Mani Ratnam.” She further acknowledged the entire team’s efforts behind the success of the film.
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In Ponniyin Selvan II, Aishwarya played dual roles, portraying both Nandini and Mandakini Devi, captivating audiences with her nuanced performances. The film, based on Kalki Krishnamoorthy’s acclaimed Tamil novel, featured an ensemble cast including Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi, Trisha, and Sobhita Dhulipala, among others. The movie was celebrated for its grandeur, direction, and performances, and Aishwarya’s portrayal of Nandini stood out as one of the highlights.
Aishwarya Rai’s win at SIIMA 2024 not only adds another accolade to her impressive career but also highlights her continuing legacy as a powerhouse in Indian cinema.
