The glittering ceremony of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 concluded with Bollywood’s elite making a grand statement of their immense talent, which has kept the wheels of Indian cinema turning with an evergreen charm. Among the renowned winners, Shah Rukh Khan stood out as he claimed the Best Actor award for his mesmerizing performance in the blockbuster hit “Jawan.”
The 58-year-old actor, popularly known as the ‘King of Bollywood’, was visibly moved as he held the prestigious award in his hands. In his eloquent acceptance speech, Shah Rukh said, “I am genuinely thrilled and touched that people have recognized the work that I have put in. Work of an artist is not important… all the people around him or her make everything come together… so a lot of people’s hard work is involved in making Jawan and helping me win this award. I promise I will keep working hard and entertain India and people who are living abroad… whether it takes me to dance, to fall, to fly, to romance, to be evil, to be a bad guy, to be a good guy…Inshallah, I will keep working hard.”
This heartfelt commitment to his craft and his audience encapsulated the night’s atmosphere—one of gratitude and resolve to continue the saga of Indian storytelling through cinema.
Vicky Kaushal received the Best Actor (Critics) award for his portrayal of Sam Maneckshaw in the war biopic “Sam Bahadur,” etching a mark as a versatile artist capable of bringing critical moments of history to life. In the shadows of his characters, Kaushal often finds the light that showcases his profound depth as an actor.
Not to be overshadowed, the gripping performance by Bobby Deol in the film “Animal” earned him the award for Best Actor in a Negative Role, proving that his evolving talents can capture the complexity of darker characters with finesse.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the visionary behind the movie “Animal,” walked away with the Best Director accolade, rightly acknowledging his directional prowess in crafting a compelling story that captured the intricacies of human emotion and conflict.
The Best Actress award was jointly celebrated by two powerful performances in Indian cinema. Rani Mukerji was honored for her extraordinary role in “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” which was as much a display of skill as it was of heart and soul. Sharing the spotlight, Nayanthara’s presence in “Jawan” alongside Shah Rukh Khan was recognized as equally deserving, affirming her stature as an artist of exceptional caliber.
Here’s a look at the full list of winners from the night:
– Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan)
– Best Actress: Nayanthara (Jawan) and Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)
– Best Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Animal)
– Best Actor (Critics): Vicky Kaushal (Sam Bahadur)
– Best Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander (Jawan)
– Best Playback Singer (Male): Varun Jain (Tere Vaste from Zara Hatke Zara Bachke)
– Best Actor in a Negative Role: Bobby Deol (Animal)
– Best Actress in a Television Series: Rupali Ganguly (Anupamaa)
– Best Actor in a Television Series: Neil Bhatt (Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin)
– Television Series of the Year: Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin
– Best Actress in a Web Series: Karishma Tanna (Scoop)
– Outstanding Contribution to the Film Industry: Moushumi Chatterjee
– Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry: KJ Yesudas
The ceremony also paid tribute to the tremendous contributions made by Indians in the film and music industry. Moushumi Chatterjee and KJ Yesudas were honored for their outstanding contributions over the years, enhancing India’s cultural tapestry with their work.
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2024 was an amazing spectacle that not only celebrated the performances of the past year but also recognized the collective spirit and dedication that propels Indian cinema onto the global stage. With this dazzling array of talents being recognized, the coming years promise an onward journey for Indian cinema, filled with stories that will resonate across borders and generations.
The exceptional achievements of each awardee at the DPIFF symbolize the broad scope of Indian cinema that goes beyond just entertainment, embodying the rich tapestry of India’s cultural diversity, its narratives, and the embodiment of dreams shaped by talent and perseverance. The industry, with its blend of song, dance, drama, and storytelling, continues to evolve, and the DPIFF stands as a beacon that celebrates this vibrant evolution.
