New Mom Patralekhaa wasn’t present when her name was announced as the Best Actor winner for Phule. Just a day earlier, she had welcomed her first child, and while she rested with the newborn, Rajkummar Rao walked up on stage on her behalf. What could have been a routine acceptance quickly became a heartfelt, memorable moment—one that reflected both her journey as an artist and their bond as partners.
This win marks a significant milestone in a phase where Patralekhaa has been steadily expanding her creative range. Phule stands out as her most powerful performance this year, but it is built on the momentum she created with IC 814, which released last year and reshaped the conversation around her talent. The contrast between the restrained intensity of IC 814 and the emotional depth she brought to Phule highlights the versatility that is fast becoming her signature.
On stage, Rajkummar expressed deep admiration for his wife as he delivered her acceptance speech. “Thank you Anand sir, thank you Prateek. I am saying all this on behalf of Patralekhaa. Thank you to the producers and the jury for nominating her. She is such a wonderful actress—she hasn’t always had many opportunities, but whenever she got them, she has killed it, be it Phule, IC 814, CityLights and many more,” he said, before adding with warmth, “And now I have to go back to the hospital where both my darlings are waiting for me.”
He also dedicated the honour to Savitribai and Jyotiba Phule, acknowledging the social legacy they left behind. “I hope everyone sees people the way they did—without discrimination. This one is also for our little princess who arrived just a day back. To all the girls working hard to build their lives—you are not alone.”
Beyond acting, New Mom Patralekhaa is steadily crafting a parallel creative identity as a producer. Her banner, Kampa Films, reflects her instinct for purposeful, meaningful storytelling. The company’s first project, Toaster, starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, is slated for release soon.
Rajkummar may have held the trophy, but the night belonged to Patralekhaa—a new mother, a dynamic performer, a storyteller, and a creator carving her own path. The award only affirms the powerful trajectory she’s already on.
