The 71st National Film Awards 2025 award ceremony, which took place on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, will remain one of the most drama-filled and star-filled events of Indian cinema history. After waiting 33 long years, Shah Rukh Khan was finally awarded his maiden National Award for Best Actor, and along with him, many other Bollywood icons made their presence felt at this red-carpet event.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Historic First National Award Win
Shah Rukh Khan’s path to his first National Film Awards 2025 award has been nothing but remarkable. The King of Bollywood was awarded as the 71st National Film Awards Best Actor for his stellar performance in “Jawan” – the action thriller which not only ruled the box office with more than ₹1,100 crores globally but also received critical acclaim.
SRK’s emotional moment during the ceremony went viral in a flash on social media. The 59-year-old megastar was spotted bowing down and blowing kisses towards the audience as he was handed the award by President Droupadi Murmu. This was the culmination of his three-decade-long wait to be recognized at the National Awards 2025.
The Viral Medal-Wearing Moment
One of the most priceless moments of the 71st National Film Awards ceremony was when Shah Rukh Khan had trouble placing his medal in the proper position. The clip went viral on all social media websites, displaying the superstar’s down-to-earth and human nature as he struggled with the medal chain – a moment which fans just found so adorable.
Rani Mukerji, an award winner herself, came to assist Shahrukh Khan with his medal, making another sweet moment that reminded the audience of their best-selling on-screen pairing from movies such as “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.”
Vikrant Massey’s Deserved Award
Vikrant Massey comparted the 71st National Film Awards Best Actor award with Shah Rukh Khan for his intense performance in “12th Fail“. The film, which was directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, also bagged the Best Feature Film award, so there was double delight for the team.
Vikrant Massey’s act in “12th Fail” struck a chord with viewers across the country, recounting IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma’s rags-to-riches journey from failure to triumph. His victory at the National Film Awards 2025 cements his status as one of India’s best modern-day actors.
Rani Mukerji’s Triumphant Best Actress Win
Rani Mukerji (also spelled Rani Mukherjee) claimed the Best Actress award at the 71st National Film Awards for her compelling performance in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.” The film, based on a true story, showcased Rani’s versatility as an actress and earned her well-deserved recognition after years.
The chemistry between Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan was evident during the ceremony, with several viral moments showing their camaraderie and mutual respect – a testament to their decades-long friendship in the industry.
Mohanlal’s Historic Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal made history when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the age of 65. He is thus the second Malayalam actor to be awarded India’s top film award, following veteran Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award winners are picked for their extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, and Mohanlal’s four-decade career working in more than 400 films across languages made him a deserving recipient of this coveted award.
Complete 71st National Film Awards Winners List
Major Category Winners:
Best Feature Film: “12th Fail” (Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra)
Best Actor (Shared):
- Shah Rukh Khan for “Jawan”
- Vikrant Massey for “12th Fail”
Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway”
Best Director: Sudipto Sen for “The Kerala Story”
Best Popular Film: “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” (Director: Karan Johar)
Regional Cinema Winners:
Best Hindi Film: “Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery”
Best Telugu Film: “Bhagavanth Kesari”
Best Tamil Film: “Parking”
Best Malayalam Film: “Ullozhukku”
Best Marathi Film: “Shyamchi Aai”
Best Bengali Film: “Deep Fridge”
Best Punjabi Film: “Godday Godday Chaa”
Technical Awards:
Best Cinematography: Prashant Mohapatra (“The Kerala Story”)
Best Sound Design: Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan (“Animal”)
Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”)
Best Male Playback Singer: P.V.N.S. Rohit (“Baby” – Telugu)
Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao (“Jawan” – Hindi)
Behind the Scenes: Ceremony Highlights
The 71st National Film Awards function was graced by many celebrities, as well as the families of the awardees. Shah Rukh Khan was joined by his wife Gauri Khan and kids Aryan and Suhana Khan, and thus it was a family affair.
All the winners were awarded by President Droupadi Murmu, and the function ended on a high note with a special dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the winners shared their joy together.
Why These Awards Matter for Indian Cinema
The National Film Awards 2025 honor the diversity and quality of Indian cinema. Ranging from box office hits such as “Jawan” to offbeat content-driven films such as “12th Fail“, the awards honored different shades of cinematic depiction.
The Best Director selection of “The Kerala Story” caused chatter regarding present-day filmmaking, with the success of regional cinema at the 71st National Film Awards bringing to the fore the increasing popularity of varied storytelling across language platforms.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
The 71st National Film Awards created tremendous social media activity, with hashtags about Shah Rukh Khan National Awards trending globally. Followers rejoiced at the much-awaited honor for their beloved star, posting emotional updates and viral moments from the event.
The tender moments of SRK and Rani Mukerji at the ceremony brought to mind their classic pairing, and Vikrant Massey’s moralistic acceptance speech touched hearts across the country.
Looking Ahead: Impact on Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award at 59 indicates that talent and hard work ultimately get their well-deserved recognition. His win, as well as Vikrant Massey’s triumph, is the great diversity of Hindi cinema – from light entertainment to content with substance.
The 71st National Film Awards nominees were the best of Indian films in 2023, and the winners have raised the bar on excellence in filmmaking, acting, and technical skill.
Conclusion
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 will be etched in memory for Shah Rukh Khan’s blossoming first win, Vikrant Massey’s long-overdue accolade for “12th Fail“, and Rani Mukerji’s victorious return to the awards scene. All these along with Mohanlal’s record-breaking Dadasaheb Phalke Award made for one unforgettable evening celebrating the best of Indian cinema.
From go-viral medal-wearing moments to tear-jerking friendship on show, the National Film Awards 2025 winners list narrates the tale of a fraternity that continues to change, entertain, and inspire cinema lovers across the globe.
What was your highlight of the 71st National Film Awards ceremony? Let us know in the comments below!
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