By News18,Shrishti Negi

Copyright news18

The 71st National Film Awards turned into an emotional evening for filmmaker Karan Johar, who won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for his directorial Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).
The filmmaker, producer, and television personality, known for his iconic hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and My Name is Khan, received the honour from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Johar’s longtime partner at Dharma Productions, Apoorva Mehta, joined him on stage to receive the award.
Johar took to Instagram to share his gratitude along with pictures from the ceremony, including one with Rani Mukerji, who won Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
Johar Gets Emotional, Misses SRK At Ceremony
In a heartfelt caption, Karan Johar expressed how meaningful the recognition felt, especially in a year when his close friends Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were also honoured. “So humbled and honoured to win the most POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT at the NATIONAL AWARDS. So emotional to win in the same year as Rani and Bhai @iamsrk …” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

However, Johar revealed that he missed the chance to take a picture with SRK, who was awarded Best Actor for Jawan. “Karan Johar this side and I am fragile today… thanks to the love and recognition,” he added, summing up his emotions for the evening.
Johar also gave a special mention to Rocky Aur Rani leads Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, crediting them for bringing his vision alive on screen.
A Full-Circle Moment In Johar’s Career
This win was particularly significant for Karan Johar, marking his third consecutive National Award and fourth overall. He recalled how his debut film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was once nominated in the same category, calling this honour a full-circle moment.
Speaking to Doordarshan on the red carpet, Johar said, “Whenever we get a national award, I feel like I have done something right to win over hearts, the audience, the jury, and to reach this stage. A lot of respect and gratitude to the jury.”
Johar has been consistently recognised at the National Awards in recent years. In 2021, he received the Special Jury Award for Shershaah. In 2022, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva won Best VFX under Dharma’s banner. With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani now securing the Best Popular Film honour, Johar celebrated another major milestone.