Filmmaker Karan Johar is riding high on a hat-trick of national recognition as he picks up his third consecutive National Award. This year, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has won the coveted Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, adding another feather to Johar’s already illustrious cap. The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, marked yet another emotional milestone for the veteran filmmaker.
In a heartfelt statement, Karan Johar said, "I feel deeply honoured to receive my third consecutive National Award. Shershaah was recognised in 2021, Brahmāstra received the Best VFX Award in 2022, and this year, our film has been awarded the Most Wholesome and Popular Entertainer of the Year. Walking the red carpet at the National Film Awards has become a humbling tradition, and I’m truly grateful for the continued love and recognition."
The award-winning film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, released in 2023, became an instant crowd-pleaser with its mix of romance, family drama, and social commentary — all served with Karan Johar’s signature flair. Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead, and supported by a stellar ensemble including Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Tota Roy Chowdhury, and Churni Ganguly, the film struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Adding to its acclaim, the film also bagged the Best Choreography award for the energetic and visually rich song Dhindhora Baje Re. With this back-to-back streak of National Awards — from a patriotic biopic (Shershaah) to a VFX-driven fantasy (Brahmāstra), and now a massy romantic entertainer — Karan Johar has showcased an impressive range of storytelling and production.
This victory not only reaffirms Johar’s legacy in Bollywood but also signals his continued relevance in the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. And as he walks the red carpet at the National Awards yet again, it’s clear — for Karan Johar, tradition and transformation go hand in hand.