The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place today at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours. Among the winners were Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey — all receiving National Awards for the first time in their acting careers.

Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey jointly received the Best Actor award for their standout performances in Jawan and 12th Fail, respectively. Rani Mukerji earned the Best Actress award for her moving portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.

Dressed in a sleek black bandhgala suit, Shah Rukh Khan completed his look with stylish sunglasses and a distinctive ear cuff, exuding his signature charisma. Despite a career spanning over 30 years, Jawan marks Khan’s first National Film Award. The film, directed by Atlee, became one of the biggest blockbusters in Hindi cinema, grossing over ₹1,000 crore. It tackled significant social issues like unemployment and farmer suicides through a commercial action-drama lens.

Rani Mukerji wore a simple brown saree with subtle jewellery, minimal makeup, and a small bindi. Her award-winning role in Ashima Chibber’s Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway was inspired by the real-life ordeal of Sagarika Chakraborty, whose children were taken by Norwegian authorities in 2011. Mukerji was widely lauded for her emotional and powerful portrayal of a mother fighting against the odds.

Vikrant Massey arrived in a crisp white bandhgala as he accepted the award for his performance in 12th Fail, a film by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Based on the real story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, Massey's performance was noted for its depth and authenticity. Despite its modest ₹20 crore budget, the film emerged as a sleeper hit, earning ₹69.64 crore at the box office.

In addition to these winners, veteran actor Mohanlal was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognising his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.

Source NDTV