Mumbai, Sep 23 (NationPress) The celebrated Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and talented actor Vikrant Massey were awarded the prestigious 71st National Award for Best Actor. SRK was recognized for his stellar performance in the blockbuster ‘Jawan’, while Vikrant received the Rajat Kamal for his role in ‘12th Fail’.

The esteemed awards were presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, marking a significant milestone as it is the first National Award for both actors. For SRK, this achievement is particularly meaningful as it represents his inaugural award in a remarkable career that has flourished for over three decades.

As one of India’s leading actors and a global figure in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as the “King of Bollywood”, has graced over 80 films across various genres, including romance, action, and drama. His widespread appeal is attributed to a mix of diverse performances, magnetic screen presence, and robust engagement with audiences worldwide through tours and social media. He has garnered numerous international accolades, including UNESCO’s Pyramide con Marni Award, L’Etoile d’Or from King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Wissame Al Kafaa Al Fikria, Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, and the Padma Shri in 2005.

Turning to Vikrant Massey, like SRK, he transitioned from television to film, gaining fame through ‘A Death in the Gunj’ and ‘Chhapaak’. His performances in popular OTT series such as ‘Mirzapur’ and ‘HIT: The First Case’ have also been lauded.

The ceremony commenced shortly after the arrival of dignitaries, including the President, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, filmmaker P. Sheshadri, and author Gopalakrishna Pai.

The 71st National Film Awards, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema for 2023, were announced on August 1, 2025, by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The ongoing award ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi sees Droupadi Murmu conferring these esteemed honors.

Organized by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), the event utilizes a structured jury system, where regional committees contribute to a central committee led by Ashutosh Gowariker for the Feature Film category. The awards aim to highlight the artistic and technical accomplishments of Indian cinema while ensuring an unbiased presentation.