Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji Win First National Film Awards

The 71st National Film Awards turned into a landmark evening for Hindi cinema, with two of Bollywood’s most celebrated stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, winning their first-ever honours at the prestigious ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards in the presence of filmmakers, actors, and dignitaries from across the Indian film industry. Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as the “King of Bollywood,” won the Best Actor award for his dynamic performance in Atlee’s blockbuster Jawan. He shared the title with Vikrant Massey, whose role in 12th Fail has been widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Massey’s film also picked up the award for Best Hindi Film.

Rani Mukerji, a leading actress for over two decades, received her first National Award for Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The film, based on a real-life child custody battle, earned acclaim for Mukerji’s stirring portrayal of a mother fighting for her children.

Veteran Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest recognition, for a career spanning nearly five decades and over 350 films. His contribution to cinema across languages was celebrated with a standing ovation.

Other major winners included Vicky Kaushal, who received the award for Best Feature Film on National Integration for his role in Sam Bahadur, and filmmaker Karan Johar, whose Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

The ceremony highlighted a blend of Bollywood’s commercial appeal and Indian cinema’s artistic achievements, with both veterans and younger talents recognized. For Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, the evening marked not only personal milestones but also a significant moment for Hindi cinema at the nation’s most prestigious film awards.