New Delhi: Hindi cinema dominated the 71st National Film Awards on Friday with superstar Shah Rukh Khan winning his career’s first best actor award for “Jawan” alongside Vikrant Massey for “12th Fail”, which was named the best feature film.
The Awards, announced for the year 2023 by jury head and filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, recognised Bollywood star Rani Mukerji in the best actress category for “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway”. It is also her career’s first National Film Award.
“I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’… For me, this award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection, and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry of ours,” Mukerji said in a statement.
Gowariker, who directed Shah Rukh in 2004’s “Swades”, said the actor was recognised for “delivering a powerhouse performance, balancing raw intensity and emotional depth and bringing to life a hero who fights not just enemy but societal boundaries, creating two unforgettable cinema personas”.
12th Fail has been named the Best Feature Film. Its producer, VC Films LLP, and director Vidhu Vinod Chopra will receive the Swarna Kamal medal and Rs 3 lakh each. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has been awarded the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Its producer Dharma Poductions and director Karan Johar will be presented with a Swarna Kamal and a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh each. Sudipto Sen will also receive the same medal and the same amount for winning the Best Director award for The Kerala Story. Ashish Bende won the National Film Award for the Best Debut Film of a Director for his first film Aatmapamphlet. The Marathi filmmaker will be honoured with a Swarna Kamal and Rs 3,00,000.
