7 actors who won National Film Awards for real-life roles

Irrfan Khan – Paan Singh Tomar

Irrfan Khan immortalised the life of Paan Singh Tomar, an athlete-turned-dacoit, in the biographical drama. His gripping performance won him award

Seema Biswas – Phoolan Devi

Seema Biswas gave a raw and gut-wrenching performance as Phoolan Devi, the infamous dacoit-turned-politician, in Bandit Queen

Keerthy Suresh – Savitri

Keerthy Suresh brought grace, vulnerability, and power to her portrayal of the legendary actress Savitri in Mahanati and it got her critical acclaim

Vidya Balan – Silk Smitha

Vidya Balan`s transformation to unapologetic Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture was hailed as a career-defining act and won her the National Film Award

Kangana Ranaut – Rani Laxmibai

Kangana Ranaut roared on screen as Rani Laxmibai, the fearless warrior queen who became a symbol of resistance against British rule

Ajay Devgn – Bhagat Singh and Tanaji Malusare

Ajay Devgn delivered one of his career-best performances as revolutionary Bhagat Singh. Years later, he won best actor again for his role in Tanhaji

Vikrant Massey – Manoj Kumar Sharma

Vikrant Massey stunned audiences with his authentic portrayal of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail. His heartfelt performance won hearts and accolades