The 71st National Film Awards ceremony is currently underway at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, celebrating the best of Indian cinema from 2023. The event has been marked by historical moments, as superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji received their first-ever National Awards, while veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal was conferred with the country’s highest cinematic honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Shah Rukh Khan received the Best Actor award for his blockbuster film, Jawan. This win is a monumental achievement for the actor, marking his first National Award in a career spanning over three decades. Fans on social media shared emotional messages, celebrating this long-awaited recognition for “King Khan.”
Rani Mukerji was awarded the Best Actress prize for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The actress, who looked radiant as she accepted the award, shared a seat with her Veer-Zaara co-star, Shah Rukh Khan, at the ceremony, delighting fans with their reunion.
The Best Actor award was a shared victory, with Vikrant Massey also taking home the honor for his critically acclaimed role in 12th Fail. Massey, who looked sharp in a white suit, was seen seated next to Shah Rukh and Rani, signifying a major milestone in his career. The film, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, also won the Best Film award. Chopra, who was also at the ceremony, expressed his joy, reminiscing about his first National Award win in 1977.
A major highlight of the evening was the Dadasaheb Phalke Award being presented to Mohanlal. The Malayalam cinema icon, accompanied by his wife Suchitra, was honored with a shawl and a scroll for his immense contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than 350 films.
Other notable awards include The Kerala Story winning Best Director for Sudipto Sen, and Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani winning the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The ceremony, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, recognizes outstanding cinematic achievements across all of India’s official languages.