At the 71st National Film Awards, the Best Actor award has been jointly awarded to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. The awards, recognising excellence in Indian cinema, were presented on 23 September 2025 in Delhi by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a leading figure in Bollywood for nearly three decades, received his first National Award for his performance in Jawan, directed by Atlee. He expressed immense joy, thanking the film for giving him the opportunity to showcase his acting. Vikrant Massey also won acclaim for his role in the critically praised 12th Fail, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Although both actors received separate certificates and citations, the cash prize of ₹2 lakh for the Best Actor category was equally shared, with each actor receiving ₹1 lakh. This rule applies whenever a category has joint winners, and it is not limited to the Best Actor award alone.
The dual recognition has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders. Shah Rukh Khan’s win adds a prestigious honour to his long and illustrious career, while Vikrant Massey’s award highlights the growing recognition of critically acclaimed performances alongside mainstream blockbusters.
The 71st National Film Awards celebrate achievements across acting, directing, choreography, supporting roles, and child artists. The shared Best Actor award reflects the diverse talent in Indian cinema and the inclusive spirit of the awards, which honour both popular and critically praised work.
This year’s awards serve as a reminder of how Indian cinema values performance and craft, bringing attention to actors who excel in different kinds of roles, from high-profile commercial films to heartfelt, socially relevant narratives.
The shared win for Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey has been widely celebrated, with fans praising both actors for their remarkable performances and their contribution to Indian cinema.
