71st National Film Awards: Vikrant Massey shares the honour with Shah Rukh Khan

Vikrant Massey is the best actor of his generation, having won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor for his dramatic performance in 12th Fail, in which he portrays real-life IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film tells the incredible story of a young guy from a poor background who dares to dream big. Manoj`s journey is one of perseverance and hope as he battles poverty, self-doubt, and the pressures of India`s most competitive test, the UPSC. With this win, Vikrant has clearly established himself as the outstanding actor of his time.

On winning the National Film Award for 12th Fail

Vikrant now shares his reaction to the massive win, he said, "I want to thank the Honourable Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the NFDC, and all the esteemed jury members of the 71st National Film Awards for considering my performance worthy of this recognition. I also want to thank Shri Vidhu Vinod Chopra ji for giving me this opportunity."

Vikrant on sharing the honour with Shah Rukh Khan

The 12th Fail actor further shared, "Today, if I may say so, a 20-year-old boy’s dream has come true. I am eternally grateful to the audiences for honouring my performances and for recommending this film with such love. It is a privilege to be sharing my first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan."

Vikrant concluded, "Lastly, I dedicate this award to all the marginalised people in our society — those who are often looked through, and those who are fighting the socio-economic paradigm of our country every single day."

Massey`s portrayal of Manoj has received widespread acclaim for its sincerity, nuance, and emotional complexity. His ability to capture the character`s fragility and resilience made the performance both accessible and inspiring. The picture resonated with audiences across the country, and critics praised Massey`s performance as one of the best in recent years.

This National Award not only honours his hard work and dedication, but it also represents a watershed moment in his career. From television to film, Vikrant has steadily built a reputation for himself as an actor who gives authenticity and gravitas to every job. With each assignment, he demonstrates why he is among the best in the industry.