Delhi: The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place on Tuesday in Delhi, celebrating the finest achievements in Indian cinema.

Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were among the highlights of the evening, with Shah Rukh Khan receiving the Best Actor Award for his stellar performance in Jawan, while Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress Award for her role in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.

Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude on social media after the announcement, saying, “Thank you for honouring me with the National Award. Thanks to the jury, the I&B ministry. Overwhelmed with the love showered upon me. To be honoured with the National Award is a moment I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Rani Mukerji, in her statement, shared her delight over receiving her first National Award in her 30-year career and thanked her team, including producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha, Madhu, and director Ashima Chibber, for their contributions.

Apart from the leading actors, other winners included Vikrant Massey, who received the Best Actor Award for 12th Fail, and the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, produced by Karan Johar, which won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Vaibhavi Merchant was awarded Best Choreography for Dhindora – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and 12th Fail directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra won Best Film.

The ceremony saw several other Bollywood stars, including Karan Johar, celebrating cinematic excellence and honoring the achievements of their peers.