The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held on September 23, 2025, in New Delhi, was a momentous occasion filled with celebration and camaraderie. Among the highlights was the shared Best Actor award presented to Shah Rukh Khan for his performance in "Jawan" and Vikrant Massey for his role in "12th Fail". This marked the first National Award for both actors, making the event even more special for them.
Adding to the charm of the event, a heartwarming photo has emerged, capturing a candid moment between Vikrant Massey and Shah Rukh Khan. While details about the specific image are still emerging, reports suggest it depicts Massey kissing Khan's hand in a gesture of respect and admiration. This display of genuine affection underscores the mutual respect and admiration between the two actors, who shared the prestigious Best Actor award.
Vikrant Massey, visibly elated by his win for "12th Fail," expressed his excitement about sharing the honor with Shah Rukh Khan, whom he considers a "once-in-a-lifetime legend". He described it as a "dream" to be mentioned in the same breath as SRK for the National Film Award. Massey also acknowledged the "childlike quality" that Shah Rukh possesses, which he believes keeps him going.
Massey recalled a delightful moment during the ceremony when Shah Rukh, upon receiving his medal, exclaimed, "I want to wear this!". This prompted Massey and Rani Mukerji, who won Best Actress for "Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway", to follow suit, creating a lighthearted and joyful atmosphere. A video circulating online captured Rani Mukerji assisting Shah Rukh in untangling his medal, further exemplifying the warm bond shared between the awardees.
In an interview, Massey shared his perspective on the interactions with Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, noting their "child-like excitement and quality" even after achieving significant success in their careers. He found it inspiring to witness their enthusiasm and the artist within them striving for continuous improvement.
The movie "12th Fail" resonated deeply with audiences, particularly students, dreamers, and ordinary people, due to its portrayal of individuals overcoming hardships to achieve success. Massey's performance as Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer who triumphs over obstacles, was lauded for its ability to convey genuine emotions and inspire perseverance. The film also received the Best Feature Film National Award.
Shah Rukh Khan's win for "Jawan" marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career. His performance in the film, where he portrayed both a vigilante jailer and his father, was praised for its blend of mass appeal and social message.
The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also highlighted the sense of community and mutual appreciation within the Indian film industry. The image of Vikrant Massey kissing Shah Rukh Khan's hand serves as a testament to the respect, admiration, and camaraderie that exists between these talented individuals.
