Overview
- Merchant won the Best Choreography award at the 71st National Film Awards for the song 'Dhindora Baje Re' from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
- This marks her second National Film Award, 25 years after her first for 'Dholi Taaro Taro Baaje' in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
- She learned of the accolade en route to London and admitted to being unaware that the ceremony was taking place.
- In an Instagram note, Merchant thanked jury chair Ashutosh Gowariker, other jury members, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Karan Johar and her fans for their support.
- She called the award a birthday gift as she approaches her 50th birthday, underscoring her enduring influence in Bollywood choreography.