National Film Awards 2023: Shah Rukh Khan earns his first-ever Best Actor win. Read the full list, reactions, social impact, and inspiring quotes

Mumbai, Aug.02,2025: At the National Film Awards 2023, Shah Rukh Khan secured his first-ever National Award as Best Actor for his riveting dual role in Jawan

National Film Awards 2023: Historic Highlights

National Film Awards 2023 began on a high note as the winners for feature and non‑feature films were officially announced by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in New Delhi on August 1, 2025. The event showcased a rich tapestry of Indian cinema, honoring work across languages and genres.

Best Actor Triumph: Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey

At the National Film Awards 2023, Shah Rukh Khan secured his first-ever National Award as Best Actor for his riveting dual role in Jawan. Sharing the honour, Vikrant Massey was jointly awarded for his deeply moving portrayal in 12th Fail.

This marks a milestone for both actors in their first National Award recognitions. Vikrant Massey, in an emotional statement, called it a privilege to share the crown with an icon and dedicated the award to marginalised communities in society. Shah Rukh Khan emphasized that the award.

Best Actress Breakthrough: Rani Mukerji

Rani Mukerji clinched the Best Actress title for her powerful portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway. In what she described as a deeply emotional moment, Rani said this was her first National Award after thirty years in the film industry and dedicated it to mothers around the world.

Feature Film Awards: ‘12th Fail’, ‘Kathal’, Rocky Aur Rani…

• Best Feature Film: 12th Fail — an inspiring true‑story drama starring Vikrant Massey.
• Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery — a quirky, socially driven narrative starring Sanya Malhotra.
• Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, directed by Karan Johar. Vaibhavi Merchant won for Best Choreography for the song “Dhindhora Baje Re”.

Direction, Music & Technical Winners

• Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story, which also received Best Cinematography for Prasanthanu Mohapatra.
• Music & Playback Awards:
  • Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for “Chaleya” (Jawan)
  • Best Male Playback: PVN S Rohit for “Premisthunna” (Baby).
• Film Promoting Social & Environmental Values: Sam Bahadur directed by Meghna Gulzar, also honored for costumes and make‑up.
• Best Non‑Feature Film: Flowering Man (Hindi) by Soumyajit Ghosh, with Giddh — The Scavenger winning Best Short Film.
• Regional & Mixed Language Winners: Parking (Tamil), Pookalam (Malayalam), Vash (Gujarati), Ullozhukku (Malayalam), Bhagavanth Kesari (Telugu), Rimdottianga (Garo), Shyamchi Aai (Marathi) were among regional awardees.

Reactions: Emotional Wins and Industry Praise

Messages poured in from peers and fans alike. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan praised SRK, Vikrant, and Rani Mukerji, also acknowledging winners from South Indian cinema for their exceptional work.

Actress Kajol took to social media to celebrate with close connections Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, rekindling nostalgia from their Kuch Kuch Hota Hai days.

Social Impacts & Broader Significance

This edition of National Film Awards 2023 underscores the growing respect for socially relevant and genre‑diverse cinema in India. With debut awards for Shah Rukh and Rani, plus activism through storytelling in films like Kathal, Sam Bahadur, and 12th Fail, the awards reflect changing priorities—representative, emotive, and mainstream inclusive narratives.

The National Film Awards 2023 delivered some of the most emotional and momentous recognitions of the year. Shah Rukh Khan’s first-ever Best Actor win, Rani Mukerji’s validation after thirty years, and Vikrant Massey’s heartfelt dedication mark this edition as one rooted in purpose, progression, and profound storytelling. From Jawan to 12th Fail, Kathal to Rocky Aur Rani…, Indian cinema’s scope, depth, and commitment shine brighter than ever.