SRK, Rani, Vikrant Win Acting Honours at National Awards

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi, honouring actors Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji for their performances. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023.

Congratulating the awardees, the President expressed concern over the limited number of women filmmakers receiving recognition. “Just as the higher number of winning daughters in educational institutions reflects the image of a developed India, similar efforts should be made in film awards. I believe that if given equal opportunity, women are capable of extraordinary achievements,” she said. She also called for greater representation of women in both central and regional jury panels.

Praising Mohanlal as a “complete actor,” the President highlighted his journey from theatre to cinema, including his acclaimed performances in the Sanskrit play Karnabharam and the film Vanaprastham. “His name commands deep respect and has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences across generations,” she said.

She emphasised that cinema is not merely an industry but a powerful medium for raising awareness and fostering social sensitivity. “Popularity may be good for a film, but being in the public interest, especially for the younger generation, is even better,” she observed.

Accepting the honour, Mohanlal described it as “magical and sacred,” dedicating it to the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema. “Every film I have worked in has touched me profoundly, reminding me of cinema’s power. This recognition strengthens my resolve to pursue the art with greater depth and commitment,” he said.

Information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that big filmmaking equipment such as cameras would be manufactured in India under the Make in India initiative. He also spoke about plans to build a live concert economy with policy support, uniform guidelines, and simplified permissions. He added that “Model State Cinema Regulation Rules” are being prepared as part of the government’s “Viksit Bharat by 2047” vision.

The Vigyan Bhawan ceremony, usually a formal affair, witnessed loud cheers as Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji collected their awards, while Mohanlal received a standing ovation for a career spanning five decades and more than 360 films.

Other major honours included Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar as Best Supporting Actors, and Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala as Best Supporting Actresses. Vidhu Vinod Chopra won Best Film for 12th Fail, while Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehra received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Kahaani. Sudipto Sen was named Best Director for The Kerala Story.

In newer categories, Hanu-Man was recognised as Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics), highlighting India’s growing strength in visual storytelling, while Giddh: The Scavenger won Best Short Film. The Best Screenplay award was shared between Telugu film Baby and Tamil film Parking. PVN S. Rohit was named Best Male Playback Singer for Premisthunna from Baby.