Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has finally won his first National Film Award for Best Actor after 33 years in the industry. He shares the honor with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail. The 71st National Film Awards celebrated the best of Indian cinema in 2023, with Rani Mukerji also winning Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Historic Win
Shah Rukh Khan, often called the King of Bollywood, received the Best Actor award for his performance in the 2023 blockbuster Jawan. This marks his first National Award in a career spanning over three decades. He shared the award with Vikrant Massey, who won for his role in 12th Fail, a biographical drama based on the life of an IPS officer.
Khan played a dual role in Jawan—a vigilante jailer and an older ex-soldier—delivering high-octane action and emotional depth. The film, directed by Atlee, became one of the biggest hits of 2023, cementing Khan’s comeback after a brief hiatus.
“SHAH RUKH KHAN WON THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR BEST ACTOR AFTER 33 YEARS. 🐐 The King of Indian Cinema…!!!” – A fan tweeted.
Despite winning numerous awards, including 15 Filmfare Awards, Khan had never won a National Award before. Fans and celebrities celebrated the long-overdue recognition, with many pointing out his iconic performances in films like Swades, My Name Is Khan, and Chak De! India that also deserved such honors.
Vikrant Massey’s Breakthrough Performance
Vikrant Massey won for his role in 12th Fail, a film based on the real-life struggles of UPSC aspirant Manoj Kumar Sharma. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie received critical acclaim for its inspiring story and Massey’s heartfelt performance.
“Vikrant Massey has rightfully won the best actor award for masterfully essaying the role of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar and his struggle as a UPSC aspirant.” – A critic noted.
This is Massey’s first National Award, marking a major milestone in his career after years of delivering strong performances in films and web series.
Rani Mukerji Wins Best Actress
Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, where she played a mother fighting a legal battle against Norway’s child welfare system. The film, based on a true story, showcased her emotional depth and resilience.
“Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of a mother fighting for her children was both heartbreaking and inspiring. She truly deserved this win.” – A film analyst said.
Mukerji previously won a Filmfare Critics Award for the same role, making this her second major recognition for the film.
Other Major Winners at the 71st National Film Awards
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail (Hindi)
- Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookkalam) and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking)
- Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Ullozhukku) and Janaki Bodiwala (Vash)
- Best Music Direction: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Vaathi) and Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
- Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Dhindhora Baje Re (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
Fans and Celebrities Celebrate SRK’s Win
Shah Rukh Khan’s win sparked massive celebrations online, with fans and industry colleagues congratulating him. Director Farah Khan shared a heartfelt post:
“Congratulations my dear @iamsrk, iss baar shiddat se koshish really came through.”
Many fans expressed that the award was long overdue, with one saying:
“🔥 HISTORY MADE! 🔥 After an iconic 33-year journey of dedication, passion, and unmatched excellence, Shah Rukh Khan is all set to bring home his first-ever National Award as Best Actor for his powerhouse performance in Jawan! 👑”
Shah Rukh Khan’s Unprecedented 2023 Success
2023 was a landmark year for Shah Rukh Khan, with three back-to-back blockbusters:
- Pathaan – His comeback film after four years, breaking box office records.
- Jawan – A high-octane action thriller that became one of the highest-grossing Indian films.
- Dunki – A Rajkumar Hirani-directed drama that showcased his versatility.
These films collectively entertained over 7 crore (70 million) people in Indian theaters, making it one of the biggest years for any Bollywood star.
Why This National Award Matters
The National Film Awards are India’s most prestigious film honors, given by the government. Unlike popular awards, they focus on artistic merit rather than box office success. Winning a National Award is considered the highest recognition for an actor or filmmaker in India.
For Shah Rukh Khan, this win is a validation of his enduring legacy in Indian cinema. Despite being a global superstar, this was the one major award missing from his collection.
What’s Next for Shah Rukh Khan?
While Khan has not officially announced his next project, rumors suggest he may collaborate with directors like Rajkumar Hirani again or venture into new genres. Fans eagerly await his next move after his spectacular 2023 comeback.
