The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu presented awards to winners recognised for their outstanding contributions to Indian cinema in 2023. Among the notable recipients were Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey, each earning their first National Awards in the acting category.
Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey jointly received the Best Actor award for their remarkable performances in Jawan and 12th Fail, respectively. Rani Mukerji was honoured with the Best Actress award for her compelling role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Shah Rukh Khan, attending the ceremony in a striking black bandhgala, added a touch of flair with a pair of shades and an ear cuff that complemented his iconic persona. In a career spanning over three decades, this marked his first National Award, earned for his role in Jawan.
Directed by Atlee, Jawan became one of the biggest Hindi film successes in recent years, grossing over ₹1,000 crore at the box office. The film, a high-octane masala entertainer, addresses critical social issues such as unemployment and farmers’ suicides in India.
Rani Mukerji, elegant in a brown saree with loose hair, matching jewellery, minimal makeup, and a small bindi, won the Best Actress award for her performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, directed by Ashima Chibber. The film is inspired by the real-life ordeal of Sagarika Chakraborty and Anurup Bhattacharya, an Indian immigrant couple whose children were taken by Norwegian authorities in 2011. Mukerji’s portrayal of a resilient mother was widely praised for its emotional depth and strength.
Vikrant Massey, dressed in a cream-coloured bandhgala, was recognised for his role in 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film, based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, showcased Massey’s exceptional acting skills, propelling him to new heights of stardom. Made on a modest budget of ₹20 crore, 12th Fail emerged as a sleeper hit, earning ₹69.64 crore at the box office.
In addition to the acting awards, Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal was conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. The ceremony highlighted the diverse talent and impactful storytelling in Indian films released in 2023, celebrating both commercial successes and socially resonant narratives.
Also Read: From Jawan to 12th Fail: Who won what at National Film Awards?
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