Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Vikrant Massey bring timeless style to the 71st National Awards

The evening air in New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan was crisp on September 23. Playing host to the National Awards, the evening carried a quiet energy with cinema's most influential names being facilitated tonight. The city remembers and anticipates the arrival of the coveted stars, who are winning the awards for their convincing acting: Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey. 

The superstar of the south, Mohanlal, remained rooted in his traditional culture to receive the highest award for acting, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in an ivory kurta and veshti. The actor has won multiple National Awards in his eponymous career, making this a fitting milestone in his contribution to the world of Indian cinema. 

To receive his first National Award for Best Actor (Male) for Jawan, in his over three-decade career, Shah Rukh Khan arrived in understated luxury. A modern monarch, he wore a black, sharply tailored bandhgala paired with a printed pocket square. A master of style, we saw him for the first time in a while minus his sling, mostly worn in customised styles for his latest appearances. Instead, he accessorised his sophisticated formal wear with round sunglasses and an ear cuff. 

Tied with Shah Rukh Khan was Vikrant Massey for the National Award for Best Actor (Male) for the heart-tugging, 12th Fail, he brought his charm in an ivory bandhgala paired with a contrasting rich red pocket square and for this significant moment in his career. 

A befitting award for one of the industry's most coveted actresses, Rani Mukerji received her first National Award for Best Actress (Female) in her three-decade-long career for the movie, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. True to her style and in the rhythm of festivities in the air, she picked a dull gold and brown saree paired with a traditional jewellery set. 

Other big Bollywood wins of the evening were:

Feature Film category:

Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment - Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit of Mystery
Best Sound Design: Animal
Best Choreography - Dhindora Baje Re (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)                                            Best Cinematography: The Kerala Story (Hindi)
Best Female Playback Singer: Jawan                                                                                                          Best Makeup - Sam Bahadur                                                                                                                      Best Costume - Sam Bahadur                                                                                                                    Best Film - 12th Fail

Special Mention: Animal (Re-Recording Mixer) – M R Radhakrishnan