71st National Film Awards Live: Karan Johar receives National Award for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’, marking his third win

Filmmaker Karan Johar received the National Award for his film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani in the Best Popular Film for wholesome entertainment category.

He was conferred with the award by Honourable President Droupadi Murmu on September 23, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Speaking to Doordarshan after receiving the award, Karan Johar said, "This is my third national award in a row. In 2021, we got it for "Shershah" and in 2022 we got best VFX for "Brahmastra" and most wholesome and popular entertainer of the year (award) this year. There's a lot of energy, excitement and inspiration in my heart right now and a lot of gratitude."

VIDEO | National Film Awards: President Droupadi Murmu confers Indian filmmaker and film producer Karan Johar with 'Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment' award for his movie 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/sArLJgKFU7

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Karan further said, "Whenever we get a national award, I feel like I have done something right to win over hearts, the audience, the jury and to reach this stage. A lot of respect and gratitude to the jury. I am excited, there are three words in our category, 'wholesome', 'popular' and entertainer so what else does a director want? This is even more special because my first national award was in this category for 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (debut film). So after 27 years to come to the same category is an emotional moment for me."

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Also read: Mohanlal gets standing ovation as he receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award at National Film Awards

In 2021, Karan Johar received the Special Jury Award for Shershaah. In 2022, he won the Special Award for Best VFX for Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, and this year, he was honoured as the Most Wholesome and Popular Entertainer for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.

Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, marked Karan Johar’s comeback to directing after his 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

(With inputs from PTI)