New Delhi: Bollywood’s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan etched his name in history at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, finally clinching his maiden national honour after a stellar 33-year career.
President Droupadi Murmu personally conferred the prestigious Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal) award on the superstar for his riveting portrayal in the blockbuster Jawan, sharing the Best Actor spotlight with Vikrant Massey’s poignant turn in 12th Fail.
Rani Mukerji also made a significant impact by winning the Best Actress trophy for her outstanding performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
The glittering event at Vigyan Bhawan reverberated with thunderous applause as Khan stepped onstage, fans leaping to their feet for selfies amid waves of adulation. Khan quipped humbly, dedicating the win to the unsung heroes of Indian cinema.
Massey, visibly emotional, credited director Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the life-changing role, while Mukerji hailed the award as a nod to women’s resilience.
Beyond the medals and certificates, each winner pocketed a cool ₹2 lakh cash prize – a modest yet symbolic reward from the government for artistic excellence. Announced last month for films certified between January and December 2023, the awards underscore cinema’s power to inspire and unite.
As fireworks lit the Delhi sky, the night celebrated not just stars but the soul of storytelling that defines Indian films.