At the 71st National Film Awards held on September 23, 2025, four-year-old Marathi child artist Treesha Thosar won the Best Child Artist award for her captivating role as Chimi (Revati) in the film “Naal 2.” The award ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, saw Treesha dressed in a traditional white saree, receiving cheers equally loud as those for Shah Rukh Khan.
Presented by President Droupadi Murmu, the recognition marked Treesha as the youngest recipient ever of this esteemed honour. Produced by Nagraj Manjule and directed by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti, “Naal 2” explores childhood and sibling bonds in a rural village. The event celebrated both the film’s emotional depth and the immense promise of young talent in Indian regional cinema, captivating officials and audiences alike.
A Heartfelt Performance – Treesha Thosar and “Naal 2”
Treesha Thosar’s portrayal of Chimi in “Naal 2” is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling rooted in regional culture. The film delicately captures the innocence, challenges, and emotions of childhood, particularly focusing on sibling relationships within a rural Maharashtrian setting.
Treesha’s natural and sincere performance stood out among 332 feature film entries across India, giving her a historic win as the youngest ever Best Child Artist awardee. The emotional moment when she received the award from the President, with reverent humility and wide-eyed wonder, moved the national audience.
The presence of Bollywood stars who cheered for her alongside the crowd underlines the cross-industry admiration for her talent. “Naal 2” not only highlights Treesha’s contribution but also puts Marathi cinema firmly in the national spotlight, illustrating the vibrancy and storytelling strength of regional films.
Context of the National Film Awards and its Prestige
The 71st National Film Awards, organised by the National Film Development Corporation of India, honoured the best cinematic achievements for films certified in 2023. The competition was vast, with feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema from across languages vying for recognition.
The Best Child Artist category recognises young performers who bring depth and authenticity to their roles, encouraging new talent in Indian cinema. Treesha’s prize comprised the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award), a certificate, and a cash prize, a symbol of her significant achievement. This accolade is more than a personal win-it is a recognition of the growing importance of child actors and regional narratives that celebrate the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
It also highlights the nurturing environment Indian cinema is fostering for young artists to explore meaningful storytelling.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian applauds Treesha Thosar’s remarkable achievement as a symbol of hope, talent, and cultural resonance. This award ceremony did not only celebrate a young performer but showcased the power of cinema to evoke empathy, understanding, and unity through heartfelt narratives.
Supporting regional cinema and young artists like Treesha reinforces the rich diversity of India’s cultural landscape and the ongoing importance of storytelling grounded in local experiences. Her success urges society to keep promoting spaces where young voices flourish, bringing kindness and harmony to wider audiences.
This milestone beckons a future where young talents from every corner of India can shine on the national and global stage.
