Shah Rukh Khan & Rani Mukerji Win First National Film Award
Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji both won their first-ever National Film Awards at the 71st National Film Awards 2025, announced on August 1, 2025. Shah Rukh Khan received the Best Actor award for his performance in the 2023 blockbuster “Jawan,” sharing the honor with Vikrant Massey, who won for “12th Fail.” This marks a significant milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s over three-decade career, during which he has achieved immense commercial success and critical acclaim but had never won a National Award before. His wife, Gauri Khan, and daughter Suhana publicly expressed their pride and joy on social media, celebrating this long-awaited recognition.
Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her emotionally powerful role in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” a film that portrays a mother’s struggle in a foreign legal system. This is also her first National Award after debuting in 1996 and earning widespread acclaim throughout her career.
The wins for Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were seen as a “full-circle” moment by filmmaker Karan Johar, who also won a National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” The awards ceremony celebrated various achievements in Indian cinema, with other honors including Best Direction for Sudipto Sen for “The Kerala Story” and Best Feature Film to “12th Fail.”
In his acceptance remarks, Shah Rukh Khan described the award as a meaningful reminder of the impact of his work and promised fans he would continue delivering memorable performances. The occasion was widely celebrated across Bollywood as a recognition of the enduring talent and contribution of these beloved actors.
