The 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi turned into a night of celebration, not just for the honours bestowed but also for the moments that followed. Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Karan Johar, three stalwarts of Bollywood, were among the most talked-about names of the evening.
Later in the evening all the recipients attended a special dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a moment that has now gone viral thanks to a candid picture shared widely by fan clubs.
Shah Rukh Khan won his first-ever National Award, bagging Best Actor for Jawan. Rani Mukerji, in turn, received the Best Actress award for her deeply emotional performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Adding to the moment, Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was honoured as the Most Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. For Bollywood fans, seeing this trio together at the Rashtrapati Bhavan dinner table after such a landmark night was nothing short of iconic.
Karan Johar later expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing that he was “so humbled and honoured” by the recognition. He dedicated the award to his Dharma Productions family, particularly noting how emotional it was to win in the same year as Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. He also gave a special mention to Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the lead stars of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan’s win carried an added layer of emotion thanks to his family. His children, Suhana and Aryan, shared a touching note online along with a celebratory selfie. Their message read, “You always said you never win the silver, only lose the gold, but this Silver is Gold. Congratulations, papa. We love you.” Fans across the country flooded social media with their congratulations, making the occasion even more memorable.
From the grand ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu personally handed the Rajat Kamal award to Shah Rukh, to the intimate dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan later that night, September 24 will be remembered as a landmark day in Indian cinema.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
