Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has finally won his first National Award, marking a historic moment in his 33-year-long career. The announcement came on August 1 during the 71st National Film Awards, where the actor was honored for his performance in the 2023 blockbuster Jawan.
While the award has thrilled his massive fan base, it has also sparked debate online. Many longtime admirers feel the recognition was long overdue and should have come for his earlier powerful roles in films like Swades, Chak De! India and My Name Is Khan.
On social media platform X, several users expressed both joy and confusion, questioning why his award-winning moment came with Jawan instead of these critically lauded performances. Some fans mentioned that he should have been honored decades ago for roles in Darr or Baazigar while others felt that this win finally added credibility to the awards themselves.
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Amid the discussions, many celebrated the fact that Shah Rukh Khan has at last been acknowledged. One admirer noted how satisfying it is to see the actor receive such a prestigious accolade after years of being overlooked. Another emphasised that no one could have portrayed his character in Jawan the way he did, calling this a proud achievement not just for the actor but for Hindi cinema as a whole.
In response to the award, Shah Rukh Khan released a heartfelt video, thanking his fans, directors and family. Despite recovering from an injury sustained during the shoot of his upcoming film King, the actor took time to share his gratitude. He expressed special thanks to the writers and directors who worked with him in 2023, particularly praising Jawan director Atlee. He also gave a loving nod to his wife and children for supporting his intense passion for cinema.
This moment marks a significant milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s legendary journey, as fans and the industry alike come together to celebrate a well-earned honor.
