History was made at the 71st National Film Awards as Bollywood’s Shah Rukh Khan finally claimed his first-ever National Award, sharing the Best Actor honor with Vikrant Massey. The ceremony, held on August 1, 2025, celebrated outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for 2023, with several beloved stars receiving their due recognition.
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Major Winners at 71st National Film Awards
The awards ceremony brought multiple surprises and well-deserved recognition for exceptional performances across Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor category for “Jawan” and “12th Fail” respectively, while Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her powerful performance in “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway”.
Complete Winners Breakdown
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail | Vidhu Vinod Chopra |
| Best Actor (Shared) | Shah Rukh Khan | Jawan |
| Best Actor (Shared) | Vikrant Massey | 12th Fail |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji | Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway |
| Best Popular Film | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani | Karan Johar |
| Best Music Direction | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani | Pritam |
| Jury Chairman | Ashutosh Gowariker | Feature Films |
Shah Rukh Khan’s Historic Win
After three decades in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor for “Jawan”, marking a monumental achievement in his illustrious career. This recognition validates his exceptional performance in the action-thriller that dominated box offices worldwide.
Gauri Khan’s Proud Moment
As mentioned in various reports, Gauri Khan expressed immense pride in her husband’s achievement, finally having a National Award to “brag about” after years of commercial success and global recognition.
Rani Mukerji’s Emotional Victory
Rani Mukerji reacted emotionally to her Best Actress win, dedicating the award to her team and expressing gratitude to the National Award jury. Her portrayal in “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway” showcased her versatility and commitment to meaningful cinema.
Career-Defining Performance
The actress’s win for “Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway” represents her return to form, proving that quality storytelling and powerful performances still resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Karan Johar’s Double Triumph
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won two major honors: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Music Direction. This success vindicated Karan Johar’s return to large-scale romantic storytelling.
Industry Impact
The film’s recognition demonstrates that well-crafted commercial cinema can achieve both popular success and critical acclaim, encouraging filmmakers to balance entertainment value with artistic merit.
12th Fail: The Biggest Winner
12th Fail won the Best Film Award, with Vikrant Massey sharing the Best Actor honor with Shah Rukh Khan. This inspirational drama about overcoming educational challenges struck a chord with audiences and critics.
Celebrating Real Stories
The film’s success highlights Indian cinema’s growing appreciation for authentic, socially relevant narratives that inspire and educate while entertaining audiences.
What These Awards Mean for Indian Cinema
Recognition of Diverse Storytelling
The 2025 National Film Awards celebrated both commercial blockbusters and meaningful cinema, proving that quality content across genres deserves recognition.
Star Power Meets Substance
The awards proved that good cinema knows no language barrier, with winners spanning from Bollywood to regional gems. This diversity reflects Indian cinema’s rich cultural tapestry and storytelling traditions.
Industry Reactions and Celebrations
Social Media Buzz
Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar reacted enthusiastically to Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’s double win, with industry colleagues congratulating the winners across social media platforms.
Future Implications
These awards may influence future filmmaking trends, encouraging directors to create content that balances commercial appeal with artistic excellence.
Looking Ahead
The 71st National Film Awards have set new benchmarks for recognizing excellence in Indian cinema. With established stars like Shah Rukh Khan finally receiving National recognition and emerging talents like Vikrant Massey being celebrated, the future of Indian cinema appears bright and diverse.
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For official updates on National Film Awards, visit Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Film Federation of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Shah Rukh Khan win his first National Award after 30 years in Bollywood?
A: Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor (shared with Vikrant Massey) for his performance in “Jawan” (2023). Despite his massive commercial success and global recognition over three decades, this is his first National Film Award, highlighting how the prestigious honor specifically recognizes artistic excellence rather than just commercial success. His powerful performance in the action-thriller finally earned him this long-overdue recognition.
Q: Which films won the most awards at the 71st National Film Awards 2025?
A: “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” won the most awards with two honors – Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Music Direction for Pritam. “12th Fail” also had a significant presence, winning Best Feature Film with Vikrant Massey sharing the Best Actor award. These wins demonstrate the jury’s appreciation for both commercial entertainment and meaningful storytelling.
