Watch the heartwarming moment when Rani Mukerji helps Shah Rukh Khan wear his National Film Award medal. Fans call it friendship goals at the 71st National Awards.

Rani Mukerji Helps Shah Rukh Khan Wear His National Award — A Moment That Captured Hearts
At the 71st National Film Awards, a touching and unscripted moment stole the spotlight: Rani Mukerji gently helping Shah Rukh Khan fix and wear his medal after he struggled with the lanyard. The video spread like wildfire across social media, with fans lauding the warmth, camaraderie, and genuine affection between two industry veterans.
What Happened — The Viral Moment Explained
When the awards ceremony was underway, both Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were being honoured. According to published reports, Shah Rukh had a little trouble fastening his medal properly.
Seeing his difficulty, Rani Mukerji — sitting beside him — leaned in and assisted him, deftly fixing the lanyard and placing the medal around his neck.
Afterwards, the two exchanged smiles, and Shah Rukh later gave a thumbs-up to co-winner Vikrant Massey and showed off his medal. The Times of India+1
This candid moment — unscripted, warm, and human — sparked adoration online, with fans calling it “friendship goals” and “pure joy.” Hindustan Times+2The Times of India+2
Why Fans Are So Moved
The Power of Vulnerability
No matter how iconic or larger-than-life a star becomes, a genuine moment of struggle can humanize them. Seeing Shah Rukh, the megastar, wrestle with a medal — and accepting help gracefully — made him accessible and relatable.
Deep Roots of Bond and Respect
Rani and Shah Rukh share a storied history in Bollywood. They have starred together in beloved films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Chalte Chalte, Paheli, and more. Their off-screen friendship long predates this public moment, and this gesture reinforced it.
Symbolic Weight of the National Award
For both actors, these awards held unique significance:
- Shah Rukh Khan won his first ever National Film Award (Best Actor) for Jawan.
- Rani Mukerji clinched the Best Actress award for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
Thus, the moment of one star helping the other wear the symbol of national recognition takes on enhanced emotional meaning.
Other Sweet Moments from the Ceremony
The medal moment wasn’t the only heartfelt interaction. Here are a few more:
- Shah Rukh was also seen holding Rani’s saree pallu and fixing her hair during the event — small gestures that fans pointed out and loved.
- The two were later seen celebrating together, and a photo of them dining with Karan Johar circulated soon after the ceremony.
Social Media Reacts — #FriendshipGoals & #BollywoodLove
Once the video went viral, fans and netizens flooded social media with reactions:
- Comments like “That is called friendship,” “Nursery babies are here,” and “Medal at any age feels different” were common
- Many praised how even seasoned stars can share vulnerability.
- Others revisited their onscreen pairing and recalled the joy they brought in their films together.
The moment trended widely, especially on X, Instagram, and reels.
Why This Resonates Beyond Bollywood
Moments like these transcend celebrity culture. They strike a universal chord because:
- They humanize icons — reminding us they, too, can fumble, laugh, and lean on friends.
- They spotlight genuine relationships in an industry often judged by glitz and glamour.
- They celebrate humility, respect, and warmth — values people across walks of life admire.
In Context: The 71st National Film Awards
To put things in perspective:
- The 71st National Film Awards were presented for films of 2023.
- President Droupadi Murmu conferring the honours at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi was the backdrop.
- Shah Rukh and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award, dividing the prize money, while Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress outright.
In the gleaming world of awards, lights, and red carpets, it’s often the smallest, most sincere moments that linger. Rani Mukerji’s simple act of helping Shah Rukh Khan wear his medal wasn’t orchestrated — it was genuine. And that’s why the internet melted over it.