The young actress, making her major film debut, was overwhelmed with emotion as veterans Boman Irani and Bobby Deol handed her the award on stage. Dressed in a striking ruby-red gown, Nitanshi broke down in tears during her acceptance speech, dedicating the honor to her mother, director Kiran Rao, producer Aamir Khan, and the entire team.

"I dedicate this to my mom, to everyone who loved Phool, and to those who accepted me as both Nitanshi and Phool," she said, her voice cracking. "A huge thanks to Kiran ma’am and Aamir sir."

Presented at Jaipur's grand ceremony, Nitanshi's win marked her as one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious award, highlighting raw talent over experience.

Laapataa Ladies, Kiran Rao's poignant comedy-drama about two misplaced brides in rural India, dominated the night with multiple honors, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Nitanshi's portrayal of the innocent yet resilient Phool Kumari earned widespread acclaim for its authenticity and depth, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

Backstage, the Noida-born actress shared her disbelief: "I wasn’t expecting this at all. The other nominees are incredible, and I’m a huge fan of them." She hugged her mother and Rao immediately after hearing her name announced.From child artist in TV shows like Peshwa Bajirao and films such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Nitanshi's journey to leading lady has been swift and inspiring.

Her victory underscores a shift toward recognizing fresh voices in Bollywood, proving debut performances can rival seasoned ones.As Laapataa Ladies continues global praise, Nitanshi's triumph opens doors for more young talent, signaling an exciting era for Indian cinema.