Shah Rukh Khan’s First National Award: A Wave of Tributes for the Forever King

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After three decades in cinema, Bollywood’s “King Khan” was honoured for his role in Jawan at the 71st National Film Awards in Delhi. Shah Rukh Khan has finally completed a remarkable chapter of his career by earning a National Film Award.

Spanning 33 years in the industry, the actor—beloved for his charm, resilience, and romance-filled films—received his first-ever National Award for Best Actor on Tuesday for his work in the 2023 blockbuster Jawan. The honour was shared with Vikrant Massey, who won for 12th Fail. Actress Rani Mukerji, Shah Rukh’s longtime collaborator and friend, took home Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.

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 Khan’s 2023 stood out as a milestone year, with Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki hitting theatres. His forthcoming project, King, directed by Siddharth Anand and featuring his daughter Suhana Khan alongside Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji, is already creating a buzz thanks to leaked glimpses from the set.