Filmmaker Karan Johar was visibly emotional as he received the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for his 2023 film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 23, 2025.
Karan Johar gets emotional winning National Award same year as Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji: “So emotional to win in the same year…”
Johar expressed his gratitude on Instagram, stating, “So humbled and honoured to win the most POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT at the NATIONAL AWARDS @mib_india #71stnationalfilmawards. Apoorva @apoorva1972 and I are deeply grateful to our entire family @dharmamovies for being our soul and spine…So emotional to win in the same year as Rani and Bhai @iamsrk (missed taking a photo with him) … thank you all for all the love to our film #rockyaurranikipremkahani and @ranveersingh and @aliaabhatt I just have to say … Karan Johar this side and I am a fragile today… thanks to the love and recognition.”
This marks Johar’s third consecutive National Award, following wins for Shershaah in 2021 and Brahmastra in 2022. He reflected on the significance of this achievement, noting, “This is my third national award in a row. There’s a lot of energy, excitement, and inspiration in my heart right now and a lot of gratitude.”
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani also won the Best Choreography award for the song ‘Dhindhora Baje Re’, choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant. The film’s lead actors, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, were also celebrated for their performances.
Johar’s journey from his debut film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to this award-winning moment reflects his enduring impact on Indian cinema. His emotional response underscores the deep personal significance of this recognition.
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