Shah Rukh Khan Bags First National Award, Shares Best Actor Honour with Vikrant Massey

New Delhi, August 1, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan has won his first-ever National Film Award, marking a major milestone in his decades-long career. The Bollywood icon received the Best Actor award for his gripping performance in Atlee’s action-packed blockbuster Jawan. He shares the honour with Vikrant Massey, who was awarded for his moving role in 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

The announcement was made during a press briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, where the winners of the 71st National Film Awards were officially revealed. Social media erupted in celebration, with fans expressing overwhelming joy. “This is huge! Shah Rukh finally receiving his first National Award win,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), while another commented, “So so happy. Both SRK and Vikrant deserve it.”

Shah Rukh’s triumph comes after a cinematic comeback that reignited box office numbers. In early 2023, he returned to the big screen after a four-year break with Pathaan, which set records across the globe. Later that year, Jawan further cemented his place at the top, earning praise for its scale, emotion, and SRK’s intense dual role.

At a press meet following Jawan’s release, Shah Rukh reflected on the film’s long journey. “The making of Jawan went on for four years due to Covid and time constraints. So many people from the South settled in Mumbai and worked day and night. This is the hardest work I’ve seen,” he had said.

Jawan, featuring Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Priyamani, and Sanya Malhotra, was one of the highest-grossing films of 2023 and played a pivotal role in SRK’s award-winning performance.

Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey’s role in 12th Fail brought to screen the powerful real-life story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. Based on Anurag Pathak’s book, the film highlights Sharma’s journey from poverty to public service, with strong support from his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi. Massey’s emotional portrayal captured the nation’s attention, turning the film into a sleeper hit that earned over ₹60 crore worldwide.

With this National Award, Shah Rukh Khan adds yet another prestigious feather to his cap, while Vikrant Massey’s career receives a defining boost both reminding audiences of the powerful impact of stories told with sincerity and conviction.