Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram on Saturday to congratulate his longtime friends and collaborators Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji for being honoured at the 71st National Film Awards. Johar described their victories as a “full circle moment,” recalling that his very first National Award was won alongside the two stars for his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated for his role in Atlee Kumar’s blockbuster Jawan, was named Best Actor. Johar praised SRK’s “swag, charm and just… SRK-ness,” noting that this recognition represents 33 years in the making for the superstar. He lauded Khan’s ability to “redefine Indian cinema with every role” and cheered on “picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost.”
In the Best Actress category, Rani Mukerji earned the top honour for her powerful performance in Ashima Chibber’s Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Johar called Mukerji “the queen of every screen,” applauding her gift for making audiences “feel every last feeling” and expressing excitement for her future projects.
Johar also acknowledged Emmay Entertainment and producers Madhubhojwani, Nikkhil Advani, and Emma Thapa for backing Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and sent “the biggest shoutout” to the team behind the film.
This year’s edition of the National Awards was particularly special for Johar, as his own film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment—the same category in which Kuch Kuch Hota Hai triumphed in 1998. “If this is not full circle, what is?” he quipped, celebrating a journey that began and now continues with the same two co-stars by his side.
Jawan, which crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark at the global box office, sees Shah Rukh in dual roles as Army officer Vikram Rathore and his jailed son Azad, alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara. Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway tells the true story of Debika Chatterjee (Mukerji), who battles the Norwegian authorities to retain custody of her children; the film also features Jim Sarbh. Both films have been widely praised for their storytelling and performances, making this year’s National Awards a fitting tribute to two of Bollywood’s most beloved actors.
