The 71st National Film Awards celebrated Bollywood excellence, with Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) jointly winning the Best Actor award for their powerful and contrasting performances. Rani Mukerji was named Best Actress for her emotional role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a performance hailed as a heartfelt tribute to mothers worldwide.

Khan’s socially charged action role and Massey’s portrayal of a struggling UPSC aspirant drew widespread praise from both audiences and critics. “This award belongs to the team,” Khan said, while Massey called it a dream to share the honour with Shah Rukh Khan. Rani, meanwhile, dedicated her award to “mothers across the world who fight for their children every single day.”

The awards also highlighted the balance between mainstream appeal and meaningful storytelling. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was named Best Popular Film for Wholesome Entertainment, and Sam Bahadur received multiple honours, including recognition for promoting national and social values. The awards ceremony will be held later this month at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.