The 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, became a day of overwhelming pride and emotion for filmmaker Karan Johar, as he received the prestigious award for Most Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani — a vibrant, heartfelt celebration of love, tradition, and identity.
But what made the honour even more special was that he wasn’t alone.
Karan was joined in this moment of glory by two of his dearest collaborators and closest friends — Shah Rukh Khan, who won his first-ever National Award for Jawan, and Rani Mukerji, who also received her maiden National Award for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
“So humbled and honoured to win the Most POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT at the NATIONAL AWARDS,” Karan wrote in an emotional post on social media.
“Apoorva and I are deeply grateful to our entire family at Dharma Movies for being our soul and spine…”
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, was not just a box office success — it was a return to classic Bollywood storytelling, layered with modern nuances and emotional depth. The film resonated deeply with audiences for its portrayal of cultural clashes, generational conflict, and the power of love and self-expression.
Adding to its acclaim, the film also won the National Award for Best Choreography for the energetic and visually spectacular number “Dhindhora Baje Re” — a song that brought grand spectacle and emotional intensity to the screen.
Karan’s post reflected the heartfelt connection he had with the film and its cast:“Thank you all for the love to our film... and to Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt — I just have to say, ‘Karan Johar this side, and I’m fragile today…’ thanks to the love and recognition.”
Beyond the professional recognition, what truly moved Karan was the shared celebration with two pillars of his cinematic journey — Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan. “So emotional to win in the same year as Rani and Bhai (SRK)... missed taking a photo with him,” he added, expressing both nostalgia and pride.
For Karan, Rani, and Shah Rukh the trio that defined an era of Bollywood with films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna this day marked not just a professional high, but a deeply personal reunion of sorts. Even after decades in the industry, it was the first National Award for both Rani and SRK making the occasion all the more historic.
As a filmmaker, Karan Johar has always celebrated emotion and on this day, he lived one of the biggest emotional moments of his life. His win stood not just as a recognition of cinematic craft, but as a reminder of how storytelling, when done from the heart, can connect generations.
Three legends, three awards, one unforgettable day. And as Karan Johar put it — fragile hearts sometimes feel the deepest pride.
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