Harshaali Malhotra, Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s ‘Munni,’ honoured with national award; dedicates it to Salman Khan, director Kabir Khan

Gulf Today Report

Remember Munni, the cute little Pakistani girl who stole millions of hearts with her endearing role in the Salman Khan blockbuster ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan? Well, Munni – India’s Harshaali Malhotra in real life – now has one more accolade up her sleeve: she was honoured with the prestigious Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award. Harshaali, now 13, received the award for her performance in the film and for her contribution to the field of cinema.

The ceremony was held at the Raj Bhawan in Mumbai. For the private event, Harshaali decked up in a gorgeous white, red and pink lehenga.

She posted her photo along with the award and said, “This award is dedicated to @beingsalmankhan @kabirkhankk @castingchhabra uncle for believing in me…And for full @Bajrangibhaijaan team.” She received the award from Bhagat Singh Koshyari (Governor of Maharashtra.)

One of the most memorable and entertaining films of Salman Khan, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ was released in 2015, and had turned out to be a runaway hit.

Directed by Kabir Khan, the movie won the 63rd National Film Award for the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, which was co-written by Koduri Viswa Vijayendra Prasad, father of another famed director, Rajamouli.

 Harshaali with Salman Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a scene from the film. 

Harshaali is keen on joining the silver screen full-time but wants to focus on academics first. She was offered many roles after ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, even from the South but those roles were not as good as Munni. However, she said in a section of the Indian media that she would not reject any good role because of her studies.