71st National Film Awards: Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji honoured with Best Actor and Actress awards

Bollywood had its big moment at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, as the 71st National Film Awards turned into a star-studded celebration of cinematic brilliance. President Droupadi Murmu handed out top honours, and the spotlight was firmly on three powerhouse performers—Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji. With sharp suits, graceful sarees, and the glitz of Indian cinema in full swing, the evening was all about stories that moved millions and performances that defined 2023.

Rani Mukerji bagged her first-ever National Award for Best Actress with Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Looking elegant in a rich brown saree with a golden border, Rani accepted the award for her role as Debika, a mother fighting to reunite with her children after Norwegian authorities wrongly accused her of abuse. Inspired by a real-life case, the film struck a chord for its powerful storytelling and Rani’s stirring performance, earning her a string of awards throughout the year.

Sharing the stage were the men of the moment. Vikrant Massey lifted the Best Actor award for his phenomenal turn in 12th Fail. The Vidhu Vinod Chopra film traced the gritty, real-life journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a Chambal-born boy who braved poverty, systemic corruption, and countless failures before rising to become an IPS officer. Vikrant’s raw, moving portrayal was hailed as career-defining, cementing him as one of the most exciting actors of his generation.




And then, of course, came the king himself. Shah Rukh Khan walked in looking dapper in a black suit and his much-talked-about salt-and-pepper look to claim the Best Actor award for Jawan. Atlee’s political action drama gave fans double the joy, with SRK playing both a fiery vigilante jailer and his long-lost father. The film wasn’t just a box-office juggernaut, smashing records with over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide, but also earned critical applause for mass entertainment with a message.