From Rishab Shetty to Allu Arjun: South Stars Who Won National Awards And Conquered Pan India Stardom
- By: sidhi agarwall
- 2026-06-02, 17:17 IST
1/6 South Stars Who Won National Awards
Indian cinema has entered an era where language is no longer a barrier and true talent travels across every corner of the country. These actors have not only delivered blockbuster entertainers and built massive fanbases nationwide, but have also earned India’s most prestigious cinematic honour — the National Award. Their journeys reflect the perfect blend of critical acclaim, superstardom, and audience admiration. Today, we take a look at 8 immensely talented actors from down south who won the prestigious National Film Award for their riveting performances.
2/6 Rishab Shetty - National Award Winner for Kantara
Rishab Shetty became a nationwide phenomenon with Kantara, a film deeply rooted in culture, folklore, and emotion. His intense and powerful performance struck a chord with audiences across India, turning the film into one of the biggest pan India success stories while also earning him the National Award for Best Actor.
3/6 Allu Arjun - National Award Winner for Pushpa: The Rise
With Pushpa: The Rise, Allu Arjun created a character that became a pop culture rage across the country. From his dialogue delivery to his iconic mannerisms, Pushparaj became unforgettable. His electrifying performance earned him the National Award for Best Actor, making him the first Telugu actor to achieve the honour.
4/6 Kamal Haasan - National Award Winner for Moondram Pirai, Nayakan & Indian
Kamal Haasan’s contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched. A performer known for constantly reinventing himself, the legendary actor has delivered several iconic performances over the decades. His National Award winning roles in Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, and Indian continue to be celebrated as benchmarks in Indian cinema.
5/6 Suriya - National Award Winner for Soorarai Pottru
Suriya won hearts across the nation with his inspiring and emotionally charged performance in Soorarai Pottru. The actor beautifully portrayed determination, struggle, and resilience, making the film one of the most loved releases in recent years while also earning him the National Award for Best Actor.
6/6 Dhanush - National Award Winner for Aadukalam & Asuran
Known for his raw and deeply immersive performances, Dhanush has consistently surprised audiences with his acting range. His National Award winning performances in Aadukalam and Asuran showcased his extraordinary ability to completely disappear into his characters while strengthening his pan India appeal.