A Landmark Ceremony in New Delhi
The 71st National Film Awards were hosted at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi where President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours to films released in 2023. The night stood out as a special one for Bollywood as three powerhouse performers—Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey—were awarded for their stellar performances, each winning a National Award for the very first time.
Shah Rukh Khan Wins for Jawan
Shah Rukh Khan bagged the Best Actor award for his high-octane action drama Jawan directed by Atlee. The film not only broke box office records by crossing the ₹1000 crore mark worldwide but also carried strong social messages around unemployment and farmer suicides. For Khan, this recognition was more than a career milestone—it was the crowning glory of his decades-long journey as one of India’s most celebrated stars.
Rani Mukerji’s Heartfelt Triumph
Rani Mukerji was named Best Actress for her riveting performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The film, directed by Ashima Chibber, was based on a real-life custody battle faced by an Indian immigrant mother. Rani’s emotionally powerful portrayal of a woman fighting for her children resonated deeply with audiences and critics, standing as one of her finest performances in recent years.
Vikrant Massey’s Breakout Honour
Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award alongside Shah Rukh Khan for his moving performance in 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film, based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, became a sleeper hit with its modest budget of ₹20 crore turning into nearly ₹70 crore at the box office. Massey’s grounded and inspiring role cemented his position as one of the most versatile actors in the industry today.
Mohanlal Receives the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Beyond the acting honours, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema’s highest recognition. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 350 films, Mohanlal’s contribution to Indian cinema was celebrated with this lifetime achievement honour.
A Reflection of Indian Cinema’s Evolution
The 71st National Film Awards beautifully highlighted the balance of Indian cinema. From the grandeur of a blockbuster like Jawan to the intimate storytelling of 12th Fail and the socially driven drama Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, the awards reflected the industry’s ability to marry scale with substance. It was a moment that celebrated both the star power and the depth of storytelling that Indian cinema continues to bring to audiences worldwide.
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