The 71st National Film Awards for 2023 were announced on Friday, August 1, 2025, in New Delhi, celebrating the best of Indian cinema. The awards recognized talent across various languages and genres, with Hindi cinema dominating the ceremony. Following the announcement, actress Kajol penned heartfelt messages for her friends and colleagues, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Rani Mukerji, who were among the big winners.
Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor for his performance in the action-packed blockbuster "Jawan". He shared the award with Vikrant Massey, who was recognized for his role in "12th Fail". Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her performance in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway". Kajol took to social media to express her joy and admiration for their achievements.
Karan Johar's "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Reacting to the win, Karan Johar said he was "ecstatic and overwhelmed" to receive the National Award for a film that was close to his heart. Kajol also congratulated Karan Johar on his film's win, acknowledging his contribution to Indian cinema.
Other notable winners at the 71st National Film Awards include:
The National Film Awards are presented annually by the Government of India to celebrate excellence in filmmaking. The awards recognize the best films, performances, and technical achievements across various languages and genres. The 71st National Film Awards highlighted both commercial successes and critically acclaimed films, honoring a mix of veteran and emerging artists.
Kajol's support for her peers echoes a similar sentiment she expressed in 2022 when her husband, Ajay Devgn, won his third National Film Award for "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior". At that time, she shared a picture of Ajay on Instagram, writing, "Bringing home two national awards and looking good is difficult!".
