The 71st National Film Awards ceremony was held Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours to the winners. The event celebrated cinematic achievements from 2023, with Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey taking home their first National Awards in acting categories.
Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor Award, with Khan winning for his performance in Jawan and Massey recognised for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji was named Best Actress for her moving role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
President Droupadi Murmu confers the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment to Karan Johar for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. (Photo: PIB)
Shah Rukh Khan, in a black bandhgala paired with shades and an ear cuff, exuded his signature charisma as he received the honour for Jawan. Directed by Atlee, the film addressed pressing social issues like unemployment and farmers’ suicides while becoming one of the biggest Hindi hits of recent times, earning over a thousand crores at the box office.
Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey Celebrate First National Awards
Rani Mukerji, dressed in a brown saree with minimal makeup, jewellery, and a bindi, received her award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, directed by Ashima Chibber. The film, inspired by the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty and Anurup Bhattacharya, portrayed the struggles of an immigrant mother against Norwegian authorities. Mukerji’s heartfelt performance was praised as a symbol of resilience and inner strength.
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Vikrant Massey, in a white bandhgala, was honoured for his role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, based on the journey of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. Massey’s portrayal earned widespread acclaim and turned the film into a sleeper hit, collecting ₹69.64 crore at the box office against a modest budget of ₹20 crore.
Mohanlal Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award
President Droupadi Murmu confers the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Mohanlal at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. (Photo: PIB)
Apart from the acting categories, veteran actor Mohanlal was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his invaluable contribution to Indian cinema, further marking the evening as a celebration of diverse talent and cinematic excellence.
