The 71st National Film Awards were presented in Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan on 23rd September at the hands of President Droupadi Murmu. The evening belonged to all the award winners but more so to Malayalam film superstar Mohanlal who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his immense contribution to cinema.
The best actor male award was shared by Shah Rukh Khan (for Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail). Rani Mukerji received the award for the best actor female for her portrayal of Mrs. Chatterjee in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Mohanlal is the youngest recipient of the Phalke Award and only the second ever from Kerala. He received a standing ovation when his name was announced. This was the first National Award for Shah Rukh Khan in his over-two-decades career so far.
