Aishwarya Rajesh on Tamil Nadu State Film Awards win: ‘This award is as much yours as it is mine’

The Government of Tamil Nadu announced the much-anticipated State Film Awards for the years 2016 to 2022 on Thursday, January 29. Aishwarya Rajesh won the Best Actress (special prize) for the year 2018 for her films ‘Kanaa’ and ‘Vada Chennai’. In a post shared on Instagram, Aishwarya Rajesh expressed gratitude to the team and also to her audience.

“It is with all humility and great happiness that I accept the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress (Special Mention) for the year 2018. The fact that this award comes to me in recognition of my work in two critically acclaimed films, ‘Vada Chennai’ and ‘Kanaa’, both of which I hold close to my heart, has doubled my joy,” she said.

Aishwarya Rajesh thanks her ‘Vada Chennai’ co-star Dhanush

Written and directed by Vetrimaaran, ‘Vada Chennai’ is a crime drama featuring Dhanush in the lead role. Aishwarya Rajesh played the role of his wife in the film. ‘Vada Chennai’ is considered one of the best Tamil films of the last decade. Winning the special mention for her role in ‘Vada Chennai’ is, hence, double the joy for Aishwarya Rajesh. “At this moment, I wish to wholeheartedly thank the jury and the State Government of Tamil Nadu for recognizing my work with this honor. I also wish to thank director Vetrimaaran, actor Dhanush, and the entire team of ‘Vada Chennai’ for the opportunity, support, and cooperation that they extended to me during the making of the film,” she said.

Aishwarya Rajesh on why the role in ‘Kanaa’ is close to her heart

‘Kanaa’, a sports drama, featured Sathyaraj, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Darshan in the lead roles, along with Sivakarthikeyan in an extended cameo appearance. Aishwarya’s role as Kousalya Murugesan, a young girl from a humble background aspiring to become an international cricketer, won the hearts of both audiences and critics. “My heartfelt thanks also go, in equal measure, to my ‘Kanaa’ director, Arunraja Kamaraj, for making me a part of a film that has gone on to inspire scores of girls,” she said in the note. “My special thanks also go to our producer, actor Sivakarthikeyan, without whose backing this film would not have seen the light of day. My heartfelt thanks also go to the entire team of ‘Kanaa’ for their support in making a truly inspiring film,” she added.

Aishwarya Rajesh thanks her fans

Aishwarya Rajesh concluded the note by thanking her fans, who have been a part of her journey in cinema. “Last but not least, my love and gratitude to my dear fans, whose consistent and unwavering support has made me what I am today. This award is as much yours as it is mine. I take this opportunity to also congratulate all my fellow winners on their fantastic win,” she said.

On the work front, Aishwarya Rajesh will be next seen in ‘Oh Sukumari’.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”