Shah Rukh Khan's National Award for film Jawan arrives with a substantial delay of 33 years
Shah Rukh Khan Finally Wins National Film Award for 'Jawan'
After a 33-year career filled with commercial successes, critical acclaim, and international accolades, including 15 Filmfare Awards, Padma Shri, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and Legion of Honour, Shah Rukh Khan has finally received the National Film Award for Best Actor. This recognition came for his 2023 release, Jawan, marking a historic moment in his illustrious career.
In Jawan, Khan portrayed a messiah for the oppressed, fighting against corruption. The jury announced this award, praising his dual role performance as a unique and fitting representation of his long-standing contribution to Indian cinema.
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, chairperson of the 71st National Film Awards jury, expressed that it was "historic" and "amazing" that Khan finally won the National Award after decades, especially in a year when he had three releases. This suggests that despite Shah Rukh’s commercially successful and critically acclaimed performances in previous decades, the timing and the role in Jawan uniquely aligned with the jury's appreciation and standards for the National Awards.
Regarding past films that could have won Shah Rukh Khan a National Award, while the search results do not list specific titles, it is widely recognized that films like Swades (2004), Chak De! India (2007), My Name is Khan (2010), and Devdas (2002) showcased some of his most critically lauded performances. These films, along with many others, have made a lasting impact on Indian cinema. However, the National Film Awards jury operates independently each year, and previous omissions do not imply lack of merit but rather reflect the competitive and subjective nature of these honors.
Khan's fandom spans countries and generations. He is one of the most recognised faces from Indian cinema in the world, despite never having worked in an international project. His films, from Deewana to Pathaan, have helped shape the quintessential romantic Hindi cinema.
In addition to the National Film Award, Khan has also been awarded Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards for his role in Chak De! India. Kamal Haasan, who has won the National Film Award three times, congratulated Khan on his National Award for Jawan. Shah Rukh Khan himself admitted that he deserved the National Award for best actor in 2005 over Saif Ali Khan, who was awarded for his role in Hum Tum.
Another notable film of Khan's is 'My Name Is Khan', where he played an autistic Muslim facing Islamophobic discrimination. My Name Is Khan premiered in the UAE two days before its worldwide release and received widespread acclaim. Another film that could have been a contender for the National Film Award for Shah Rukh Khan is 'Veer-Zara' (2004), where he played an Indian Air Force pilot who falls in love with a Pakistani woman and ends up in jail in that country for 22 years after being framed out of spite.
In conclusion, Shah Rukh Khan's first National Film Award came later due to the distinct and rigorous evaluation process of this award, which differs from popular awards. Jawan's dual role performance was a decisive factor, and many past noted performances remain fan-favorites as deserving but were not awarded at that time.
- Shah Rukh Khan's illustrious career, spanning over three decades, encompasses not only entertainment through movies but also a thriving business, with accolades ranging from Filmfare Awards to civil honors like Padma Shri.
- The 71st National Film Awards jury praise for Shah Rukh Khan's performance in 'Jawan' is not only a mark of recognition for his current work but also a statement about the evolving standards of Indian cinema, as the award consists of more than just commercial success.
- The year of 'Jawan' release marks a significant milestone in Shah Rukh Khan's career, not only housing the National Film Award for Best Actor but also showcasing his dedication to diverse and socially relevant content, such as news and sports issues, health awareness, and food culture.
- Despite focussing mainly on the big screen, Shah Rukh Khan has also left an indelible impact on the smaller one, having appeared in popular television series and projects, such as those in the 'movies and TV' category.
- In addition to his prominent status among Indian celebrities, Shah Rukh Khan's global fame reaches beyond the film industry. He is a household name and cultural ambassador, transcending language barriers and showcasing the vibrancy of the entertainment world to people all over the globe.
