Sachana Namidass on her National Award: I never even dreamed

The video went around before the official list had even finished circulating: Sachana Namidass, hands pressed together, unable to stop crying. She had just been named Best Supporting Actress at the 72nd National Film Awards for her performance in Maharaja, and the first thing she said was that none of it had felt possible.

“I never even dreamed that I would receive a National Award. This honour is much bigger than any dream I ever had,” she said. “This award belongs to my father, mother, and sister as much as it belongs to me. I am standing here today only because of their constant support.”

The win recognises her debut, playing Vijay Sethupathi’s daughter in the 2024 film. What makes it land harder is how far away the stage once looked. Her father drives an auto, her mother is a tailor, and she studied at a government school on a scholarship. “There were times when we did not even have money to pay my school fees,” she recalled, saying that arranging even Rs 500 was often a struggle. “Even in those tough days, my parents gave us everything they could. They never stopped believing in me.”

The believing had to last a long time. Since 2018, she and her family had gone from one production house to the next, hoping someone would offer a role. “Every rejection taught me something,” she said. “Today, this National Award feels like the reward for all those years of struggle and hard work.”

The person who took it hardest was not Sachana but her twin. “While my parents are extremely happy, it was my twin sister who felt very emotional for my win. In fact, she cried more than me. I want to dedicate this award to her.”

She was clear about who put her in front of the camera. Sachana credited director Nithilan Saminathan for the freedom to perform and Vijay Sethupathi for guiding a first-timer through a demanding shoot. “Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have been where I am today. He gave me many valuable suggestions on set,” she said. Maharaja, the story of a barber whose search for a stolen dustbin uncovers something far darker, was Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th outing as a lead and a critical and commercial success. Sachana shares the supporting-actress honour with Sanjay Mishra, recognised for the Hindi film Bhakshak.

The film did not walk away with one award alone. Stunt choreographer Anl Arasu took Best Action Direction for Maharaja, making it a two-award night for the production and part of a strong Tamil showing across the ceremony.

Sachana has stayed busy since. She entered Bigg Boss Tamil season 8, hosted by Vijay Sethupathi, was evicted on day one, returned on day five and lasted until day 63, and later featured in Heart Beat season 2. She is currently shooting two films she is not ready to name yet. For now, the twin who cried more than she did has the last word on what the award means.