After more than three decades of cinematic brilliance, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has finally clinched his first-ever Indian National Award for Best Actor, for his powerful performance in the blockbuster Jawan.

The milestone serves as long-awaited recognition of a career that has captivated audiences across generations

Shah Rukh shares the honor with rising star Vikrant Massey, who earned critical acclaim for his role in the film 12th Fail, a powerful story of resilience and ambition.

The winners of the 71st Indian National Film Awards were announced during a press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

Fans quickly took to social media to celebrate the moment, with one user posting, "Finally! SRK receives the recognition he truly deserves!"

The year 2023 was a triumphant return for Shah Rukh, who came back to the big screen after a four-year hiatus with Pathaan, a box office juggernaut.

That success was swiftly followed by Jawan, one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

Directed by Atlee, the film featured a star-studded cast including Deepika Padukone, Nayanthara, Priyamani, and Sanya Malhotra.

At a press event following Jawan's release, Shah Rukh expressed deep gratitude to the team behind the film, particularly the South Indian crew members who relocated to Mumbai and dedicated four years of tireless work despite the challenges of the pandemic and time constraints.

Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey stunned both audiences and critics with his portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a real-life hero who rose from extreme poverty to become an IPS officer.

Based on the book by Anurag Pathak, 12th Fail also highlighted the vital role of Sharma’s wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, in his journey.

Despite being a mid-budget production, the film became a sleeper hit through strong word-of-mouth, grossing nearly 6 billion (approx. $72 million) globally.

This double win is not just a personal victory for Shah Rukh and Vikrant, but a celebration of storytelling that touches hearts, honors perseverance, and redefines success in Indian cinema.