Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji record choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's National Award-winning moment on their phone, see pic

Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji record choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's National Award-winning moment on their phone, see pic

The 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi turned into a celebration not only of cinema but also of friendships and collaborations that have defined Bollywood for decades. On Tuesday, September 23, choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant received the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song Dhindora Baje Re from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

The grand ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan was attended by some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, including Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Vikrant Massey, and filmmaker Karan Johar. Dressed in a graceful ethnic outfit, Vaibhavi walked up the stage to accept the award from President Droupadi Murmu. What made the moment even more special was the sight of her close friend Rani Mukerji and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, both recording her big win on their phones, smiling ear to ear as they cheered her on.

#Watch | The Best Choreography award is conferred upon the Hindi film Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Vaibhavi Merchant accepts the award.@nfdcindia@AshwiniVaishnaw@DrLMurugan@PIB_India@MIB_India#71NationalFilmAwards#NFA2023#NationalFilmAwardspic.twitter.com/ifiivC3MPu

— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 23, 2025

For Vaibhavi, this honour carries a touch of nostalgia. It marks her second National Award, coming 25 years after her first, which she won for the iconic Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999. That earlier recognition cemented her reputation as one of the finest choreographers in the country, known for combining scale, energy, and cultural authenticity in her work.

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Speaking about Dhindora Baje Re earlier, Vaibhavi had described the song as uniquely challenging, both in its staging and in capturing the essence of a grand Durga Puja celebration. The track, featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, became one of the standout highlights of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, celebrated for its vibrancy and scale.

The proud reactions from Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji underscored the sense of camaraderie that Bollywood often thrives on. The evening was not just about awards but also about cherishing shared journeys. For Vaibhavi Merchant, this win stands as both a reminder of her legacy and a promise of more magic to come.