Our Bureau
Mumbai
Janhvi Kapoor received the Actor of the Year (Female) award at the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 ceremony, marking her first accolade for the Oscar-shortlisted film Homebound. The actress, emotional during the event, expressed profound gratitude to director Neeraj Ghaywan, who sat across the stage, crediting him for believing in her potential. “I’m extremely grateful to Neeraj Sir for seeing something in me that, on most days, I can’t see in myself,” she said.
A poignant highlight came with a throwback clip of Janhvi’s late mother, Sridevi, accepting the Entertainer of the Year award at the same event in 2012. Visibly moved, Janhvi noted, “She was very excited about the honour—one thing we both have in common. This moment made it even more special.” She described Homebound as a “wholesome, giving experience,” emphasizing its themes of empathy and feeling seen: “It’s about seeing people for what they really are”.
Kapoor reflected candidly on success’s pressures, admitting her hand shook while holding the mic amid “formidable people.” “The pressure has turned into responsibility, and I’m more cognisant of it,” she added. Her stellar 2025 included three Hindi releases—rom-com Param Sundari, Homebound, and family entertainer Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari—plus a Telugu film.
The NDTV Indian of the Year honors excellence across 14 categories, from business to entertainment, through a rigorous selection process. Kapoor’s win underscores her rising prominence in Bollywood, blending commercial hits with critically acclaimed roles.
