National Film Awards: SRK, Mohanlal Share Warm Hug; Rani Mukerji Joins Legends In Viral Pic

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 concluded on Tuesday night with a glittering ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event brought together the biggest icons of Indian cinema under one roof. President Droupadi

Murmu presented the honours, recognising the finest cinematic achievements of 2023.

The highlight of the evening was a viral picture capturing three legends — Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal, and Rani Mukerji. In the frame, SRK and Mohanlal shared a warm hug while Rani, freshly honoured with her first National Award, stood nearby, smiling at the moment. The photo, shared by fan pages on social media, was hailed as “history captured in one frame.” Fans flooded the post with comments, calling it the “ultimate celebration of cinema’s finest.”

✨ When Legends Cross Paths ✨
The National Award ceremony turned even more iconic when three powerhouses of Indian cinema — Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal and Rani Mukerji— came together in one frame.#ShahRukhKhan#Mohanlal #RaniMukerji pic.twitter.com/5tvfc1jJYN

— Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) September 23, 2025

Mohanlal Honoured With Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran superstar Mohanlal, fondly called Lalettan, was conferred with Indian cinema’s highest recognition — the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The Malayalam icon expressed humility, stating he saw the award as “greater than himself” and dedicated it to all the artists who shaped his journey.

He also highlighted the significance of the honour returning to Malayalam cinema after nearly two decades. The actor’s prolific career across five languages has spanned over four decades, cementing his place as one of India’s most versatile performers. His recognition at the National Film Awards was celebrated as a proud moment for Kerala and the entire Indian film fraternity.

SRK And Rani Mukerji’s Career-Defining Wins
For Shah Rukh Khan, the evening marked a long-awaited milestone. In a career spanning over three decades, he bagged his first National Award for Best Actor for Atlee’s Jawan. The megastar’s portrayal in the dual roles of a father and son in the socio-political action drama earned both box office success and critical acclaim. The thunderous applause that greeted his name reflected the audience’s undying love for Bollywood’s “King.”

Rani Mukerji too had her career-defining moment. She was awarded Best Actress for her moving portrayal in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, based on a real-life mother’s legal battle. Dressed in a striking brown saree, Rani bowed and touched the stage before receiving the award, a gesture of gratitude that moved the audience.

The Complete List Of Winners
The 71st National Film Awards highlighted the diversity of Indian cinema. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail won Best Feature Film, while Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery took home Best Hindi Film. Shah Rukh Khan shared his Best Actor title with Vikrant Massey, honoured for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji’s win for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway added to the list of strong performances recognised.