National Awards conferred on SRK, Rani, Massey

In a historic moment at the 71st National Film Awards, superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actor Rani Mukerji bagged their first-ever National Awards, while Malayalam legend Mohanlal was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest recognition.

Khan won the Best Actor award for Jawan, sharing the honour with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Rani took home Best Actress for her acclaimed performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.

The moment turned emotional for fans as Khan and Mukerji, who have starred together in iconic films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chalte Chalte, Veer-Zaara and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, received their first National Awards in the same year, marking a full-circle moment for one of Bollywood’s most celebrated on-screen pairs. Introducing Khan, the presenter hailed him as “the man whose smile has crossed borders” and echoed a line from Jawan: Main kaun hoon, main kya hoon — “tonight the answer is simple, he is not just a National Award winner, but forever the King of Hearts”.

The awards, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, also saw Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail win Best Feature Film. Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur bagged Best Film Promoting National and Social Values, alongside awards for makeup and costume design. Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and also won Best Choreography for Dindhora Baje Re.

Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story won Best Direction and Best Cinematography, while Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal received honours for Best Music Direction and Best Sound Design. Kathal was declared Best Hindi Film, while Punjabi movie Godday Godday Chaa won Best Punjabi Film.