Four-year-old Marathi actress Treesha Thosar has set a new milestone in Indian cinema by becoming the youngest recipient of the National Film Award for Best Child Artist. She earned the honor for her performance in Naal 2 at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 23, 2025.
A Landmark Achievement
President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus Award) to Thosar, who appeared in a traditional white saree and received thunderous applause from the audience. Reports highlight that the cheers for the young actress matched the enthusiasm reserved for Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji.
Treesha’s achievement is extraordinary as she was only four at the time of the award, and among the very youngest ever to be recognized at the National Film Awards. The honor was selected from 332 feature film entries nationwide, reflecting the exceptional strength of her performance as Chimi (Revati) in Naal 2.
Breaking Records
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, who won his first National Award as a six-year-old, congratulated Thosar on social media. “Dear Ms. Treesha Thosar, my loudest applause goes to you. You’ve beaten my record. Way to go, madam,” he wrote, acknowledging her historic achievement.
Interestingly, the Best Child Artist award was shared, with Marathi child actors Shrinivas Pokale and Bhargav Jagtap also recognized. Still, Treesha’s young age ensured she stood out as the most historic winner of the trio.
Boost for Marathi Cinema
Directed by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti and produced by Nagraj Manjule, Naal 2 continues the story of the critically acclaimed Naal (2018). The sequel explores themes of childhood innocence, sibling relationships, and rural family dynamics in Maharashtra.
Thosar’s win not only shines a spotlight on regional Marathi cinema but also highlights the growing importance of authentic storytelling from outside Bollywood. Industry experts believe her recognition could inspire filmmakers to invest more in regional projects and young talent.
A Promising Future Ahead
Despite her young age, Treesha has already worked with renowned names like Mahesh Manjrekar and Siddharth Jadhav. In a short interaction with ANI after the ceremony, she said, “I am very happy that the President congratulated me,” reflecting her joy and innocence.
Her early success demonstrates the rising opportunities for child performers in Indian cinema and may inspire a new wave of young actors to pursue meaningful roles in regional films.
