Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan created history today as he received his first-ever National Award for Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The honour was for his performance in the 2023 blockbuster Jawan, which he shared with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail.
The atmosphere turned emotional as Information & Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju praised Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from Delhi theatre stages to becoming one of the world’s most recognized actors. “And history is made, Shri Shah Rukh Khan ji. The man whose smile has crossed borders, whose dialogues have become our collective vocabulary, has received his first National Award. His journey is a story in itself,” Jaju said to thunderous applause.
A Moment of Celebration
Shah Rukh, dressed in a black suit and sporting a new salt-and-pepper look, was seen blushing and smiling as he blew a kiss towards Jaju from the audience. Sitting next to him, Best Actress winner Rani Mukerji was all smiles, sharing in the celebratory moment.
The actor, often called the “King of Bollywood,” removed his sunglasses during the National Anthem, drawing applause from fans online for his graceful presence at the ceremony.
Big Wins for Indian Cinema
Apart from Shah Rukh and Vikrant Massey’s joint win, Rani Mukerji was honoured with the Best Actress Award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The Best Feature Film Award went to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, which has been hailed for its inspiring portrayal of resilience and perseverance.
Veteran actor Monalal was announced as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
What’s Next for SRK
Following this historic recognition, Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, co-starring Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, and his daughter Suhana Khan, marking her first major outing alongside her father.
