Kajol applauds SRK, Rani Mukerji, and Karan Johar’s national wins with nostalgic yet heartfelt notes

Kajol took a moment on social media to acknowledge the recent National Film Award victories of three people she shares long-standing personal and professional ties with — Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and her cousin Rani Mukerji.

Posting on her Instagram stories, the actor expressed pride and affection for the trio, all of whom received honours at the 71st National Film Awards announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Her messages were concise but carried emotional weight.

Addressing Karan Johar, whose film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment along with Best Choreography for Dhindhora Baje Re, Kajol wrote, “Wholesome entertainment has your name written all over it! Congratulations.” The film, known for its vibrant blend of nostalgia and modernity, was seen as a return to form for Johar.

Kajol also congratulated Shah Rukh Khan for winning his first-ever National Award for Best Actor for Jawan. Her note to him simply read: “Congratulations on your big win.” It marked a significant milestone in SRK’s 33-year-long career, and Kajol’s acknowledgment felt like one from a long-time collaborator and friend.

For Rani Mukerji, who won the Best Actress award for her role in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Kajol was more effusive, calling her performance “pure fire and heart.” The film, based on a real-life custody battle, received praise for its emotional depth, with Rani’s portrayal at the centre of it.

The trio’s bond traces back to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), a film that became a cultural milestone and marked Karan Johar’s directorial debut. Shah Rukh, Kajol and Rani starred in it, and their careers have remained intertwined ever since. Though their work paths have diverged over the years, moments like this highlight the mutual support they continue to offer one another.

The awards recognised films from 2023, and this year's list reflected a blend of mainstream popularity and powerful storytelling. In this context, Kajol’s posts served as a reminder of how closely knit the film fraternity still remains — especially among those who came up together.