The 71st National Film Awards turned into a star-studded celebration of talent as Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey were honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan. From Rani’s powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway to SRK’s historic win for Jawan and Vikrant’s unforgettable act in 12th Fail, the evening was a proud moment for Indian cinema. It was not just about awards but also about the emotional connection these stars share with their audiences. The ceremony brought together the best of Bollywood’s legacy and fresh energy on one platform.
Rani Mukerji Wins Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress Award for her emotional and hard-hitting role in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Dressed in a stunning brown saree with broad borders, the actress made a graceful entry. In a touching moment, she bowed down and touched the stage before accepting the honour from President Droupadi Murmu. Her performance was hailed for showcasing the pain of a mother fighting for her child, leaving a lasting impression on the jury and audiences alike. The award further solidifies Rani’s place as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
Shah Rukh Khan Creates History With Best Actor Award for Jawan
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the Best Actor Award for his blockbuster Jawan. This marks his first National Award in decades, making it a milestone in his legendary career. As his name was announced, the crowd gave a thunderous cheer, celebrating the King Khan’s achievement. His gripping dual role in the film was praised for blending action with emotion, winning the love of millions. With this honour, SRK has once again proved why he is called the “King of Bollywood” and continues to dominate the global stage.
Vikrant Massey Honoured for 12th Fail
Actor Vikrant Massey also bagged the Best Actor Award
for his inspiring role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail. The actor arrived in traditional attire and humbly greeted everyone with folded hands before receiving the award. His portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young UPSC aspirant, resonated deeply with audiences across the nation. Critics hailed Vikrant’s grounded yet powerful performance as one of the finest of the year. This recognition marks a breakthrough in his career and sets him firmly among Bollywood’s most versatile talents.
71st National Film Awards: Complete Highlights
The ceremony celebrated diversity in Indian cinema with winners across multiple genres and languages. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail was declared Best Feature Film, while Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery bagged Best Hindi Film. The spotlight, however, remained on the three big acting wins — Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail), and Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway) — making the night unforgettable for fans and the film fraternity alike. The event also honoured technicians and filmmakers whose contributions often go unnoticed but remain crucial. It was a true celebration of Indian cinema in all its colours and forms.
A Night to Remember
The 71st National Film Awards will be remembered for its mix of glamour, legacy, and new-age talent. From SRK’s historic win to Rani’s graceful moment and Vikrant’s inspiring journey, the evening highlighted the strength of Indian storytelling. It reminded audiences that cinema is not just entertainment but also a reflection of resilience, emotion, and dreams. As the curtain fell, fans were left with pride and joy, looking forward to more extraordinary performances in the years to come.
