Hey movie buffs, are you curious to know which Bollywood actresses have won most National Film Awards? In the glamorous world of Bollywood, a few talented actresses have made history with multiple wins, and yes, there’s even one actress who has clinched five National Awards. Can you guess who she is?
In this article from the National Film Awards 2025, we’ll uncover some exciting facts, like what exactly the National Film Awards are, and reveal the list of Bollywood National Award-winning actresses who have achieved this prestigious honour many times.
Excited to know who made it to the top? Of course, you are, so stay with us and keep scrolling to discover the legendary names who have made Bollywood proud.
Also like to see the Actors with Most National Film Awards for Best Actor, along with Directors With Most National Film Awards for Best Direction.
What are the National Film Awards?
The National Film Awards were started in 1954, and presented by the Government of India to honor excellence in indian cinema. This covers all indian language films, not just Hindi or Bollywood.
National Film Awards categories:
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award – India’s highest award in cinema, given for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
- Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award) – For top honors like Best Feature Film.
- Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award) – For category-specific achievements like Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Music Direction, etc.
Actresses With Most National Film Awards for Best Actress List
Here is the list of the Most National Award-winning actresses in India. Look below and find out all details on which she won the National Award, like movie name, category, or the awarded film.
| Rank | Actress | Awards Won | Category | Awarded Films |
| 1⃣ | Shabana Azmi | 5 | Best Actress | Ankur (1974), Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985), Godmother (1999) |
| 2⃣ | Kangana Ranaut | 4 | Best Actress & Supporting | Fashion (2008 – Supporting), Queen (2014), Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015), Manikarnika & Panga (2020, shared) |
| 3⃣ | Surekha Sikri | 3 | Best Supporting Actress | Tamas (1988), Mammo (1995), Badhaai Ho (2018) |
| 4⃣ | Smita Patil | 2 | Best Actress | Bhumika (1977), Chakra (1981) |
| 5⃣ | Tabu | 2 | Best Actress | Maachis (1996), Chandni Bar (2001) |
| 6⃣ | Pallavi Joshi | 2 | Best Supporting Actress | The Tashkent Files (2018), The Kashmir Files (2022) |
Shabana Azmi – 5 Awards
Shabana Azmi is one of India’s finest and multi-talented actresses, who holds the record of winning five National Film Awards for Best Actress.
Her powerful performances in superhit films like Ankur (1974), Arth (1983), Khandhar (1984), and many more left an indelible mark on audiences, showcasing her unmatched talent and versatility, making her a true legend of Indian cinema.
List of Award-Winning Films of Shabana Azmi:
- Ankur (1974)
- Arth (1983)
- Khandhar (1984)
- Paar (1985)
- Godmother (1999)
Kangana Ranaut – 4 Awards:
Kangana Ranaut has won four National Film Awards, cementing her dominance as one of Bollywood’s most versatile performers. She first bagged Best Supporting Actress for Fashion (2008), followed by Best Actress for Queen (2014), and a double win for Manikarnika and Panga in 2020.
Kangana Ranaut’s Awarded Films
- Fashion (2008 – Supporting)
- Queen (2014)
- Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
- Manikarnika & Panga (2020, shared)
Surekha Sikri – 3 Awards
Surekha Sikri, a veteran of Indian cinema and theatre, won the National Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress three times. Her remarkable roles, Tamas (1998), Mammo (1995), and Badhaai Ho (2018), highlight her incredible range and depth, earning her a lasting place in the history of Indian cinema.
Awarded Films
- Tamas (1988)
- Mammo (1995)
- Badhaai Ho (2018)
Smita Patil – 2 Awards:
Smita Patil, an iconic actress in Hindi and Marathi cinema, worked in nearly 80 films. She won the National Film Awards for Best Actress twice for Bhumika (1977), Chakra (1981). Tragically, her life was cut short on 13 December 1986 childbirth complications.
Awarded Films
- Bhumika (1977)
- Chakra (1981)
Tabu – 2 Awards:
Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, popularly known as Tabu, is an acclaimed actress in Hindi cinema with a career spanning over 109 films and a TV show, Chakravyuh. She has won two National Film Awards for Best Actress for her stellar performances in Maachis (1996), and Chandni Bar (2001).
Awarded Films
- Maachis (1996)
- Chandni Bar (2001)
Pallavi Joshi – 2 awards:
Pallavi Joshi began her acting career as a child artist in movies with “Naag Mere Sathi(1973)”, and has since appeared in over 30-40 films across Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada cinema, and more.
She has won two National Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful roles in The Tashkent Files (2018) and The Kashmir Files (2022).
Awarded Films
- The Tashkent Files (2018)
- The Kashmir Files (2022)
Conclusion
The National Film Awards were started in 1954 to honor excellence in indian Cinema. This is organised by the Government of India. Shabana Azmi, who has won 5 times the National Film Awards and made a record, and Kangana Ranaut have won 4 times the National Film Awards.
What do you think? Does Kanagan break the record, or does someone else break the record? Give your opinion in the comment box and sign up for more.
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