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Published : 24 Sep 2025, 11:58 AM
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has finally filled the one missing piece in his extraordinary career - a National Film Award.
After 33 years in the industry, the actor, adored by millions for his charm, resilience and romance-filled films, received his first-ever National Award for Best Actor on Tuesday for his role in 2023 blockbuster "Jawan".
The honour was jointly shared with Vikrant Massey, who won for "12th Fail". Actress Rani Mukerji, Shah Rukh's longtime colleague and friend, took home Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
A MOMENT THREE DECADES IN THE MAKING
Shah Rukh, 59, began his career on television with "Fauji" and "Circus" under his given name, Abdur Rehman, before storming onto the big screen with "Deewana" in 1992. In that film, he played the wealthy singer Bobby opposite the late Divya Bharti.
Over three decades, he weathered box-office highs and lows, reinvented himself as an actor, producer and cricket franchise owner, and remained one of India’s most bankable stars.
Fans and critics had long argued that he deserved a National Award, especially for his turn in "Swades". But the recognition never came -- until now.
Wearing a black suit and white shirt, Shah Rukh was greeted with applause from his peers as he accepted the medal, citation and prize money. Since the award was shared, he received half of the 200,000 rupee prize.
Speaking earlier in a video message after the August announcement, Shah Rukh called the award “a blessing” and promised it was not an ending, but a beginning.
"A National Award is not just about achievement. It's a reminder that what I do matters. It tells me to keep going, keep working hard, keep creating, and keep serving cinema. In a world full of noise, to be heard truly is a blessing. And I promise to use this recognition not as a finish line, but as fuel to continue striving, learning and giving life."
“This honour tells me to keep going, work harder, do something new, and contribute more to cinema. In a world burdened with so many problems, this award feels like grace. I promise to learn more and give more.”
'THIS SILVER IS GOLD'
The milestone has drawn a wave of tributes led by his family, cricket franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and some of his closest colleagues in Bollywood.
On Instagram, his wife Gauri Khan posted a striking photo of him en route to the ceremony, praising his decades of effort.
“What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!! So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hard work and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award.”
His children Aryan and Suhana added their own playful nod to their father’s famous quip about winning.
“You always said you never win the silver, only lose the gold. But this Silver is Gold. Our hearts are so happy seeing you receive the prestigious National Award. Congratulations papa, we love you ❤️.”
Shah Rukh's IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders also joined the chorus with an emotional social media post. Quoting his iconic line from “Om Shanti Om”, the team wrote: “You didn’t just say it. You meant it, you lived it! SRK, your first National Award is a moment for history, and your Knight Riders couldn’t be prouder. To our heartbeat, our boss man, our 12th man, our forever King—this one’s as special as you are.”
Filmmaker Karan Johar, who won for "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani", said it was special to be honoured in the same year as his close friend.
“So emotional to win in the same year as Rani and Bhai @iamsrk (missed taking a photo with him),” he wrote.
Shah Rukh's 2023 was a milestone year with "Pathaan", "Jawan" and "Dunki" hitting cinemas. His next project, "King", directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring daughter Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, is already generating buzz through leaked glimpses from the set.
