Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji Win First National Film Awards; Mohanlal Honoured
At the 71st National Film Awards, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award for 'Jawan' and '12th Fail' respectively, while Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for 'Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway'. This marked the first National Award for both Khan and Mukerji. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s '12th Fail' was named Best Feature Film. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indian cinema's highest honour, for his five-decade career.
Unpacked:
For Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, winning their first National Film Awards marks official recognition from the Indian state for their acting excellence, adding prestige beyond commercial success and popular acclaim. It elevates their standing among peers and cements their legacy in Indian cinema’s history.
Mohanlal was chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award due to his five-decade career, significant contributions, and versatility in Indian cinema. The award is India’s highest film honor, recognizing lifetime achievement and extraordinary impact on the development of Indian film.
National Film Award winners are chosen by independent juries appointed by the government. These juries, composed of film experts, evaluate entries based on artistic, technical, and social merit, selecting recipients from films produced in the previous year.
The National Film Awards, established in 1954, aim to promote artistic and technical excellence, celebrate diverse cultures, and encourage unity through cinema. They recognize achievements across India’s languages and regions, shaping the nation’s cinematic identity and promoting cultural appreciation.