In what has become the most talked-about moment in Indian cinema this year, Shah Rukh Khan’s long-awaited National Award win for Jawan has ignited a wave of reactions across the industry. While many fans and celebrities celebrated the milestone, others raised eyebrows — including Best Supporting Actress winner Urvashi, who took home the award for Ullozhukku and subtly questioned the jury’s decision to honour Khan.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for his role as Shaktimaan, came out in strong support of Shah Rukh and the jury’s decision. “People who are saying that Shah Rukh Khan should not have received the award for this film (Jawan) but for Swades — remember, A.R. Rahman received the Oscar for ‘Jai Ho’ and not for the various beautiful songs he created in the past,” Khanna remarked.
Defending Shah Rukh’s decades of contribution to cinema, Khanna added, “Shah Rukh has been working hard for the past 40 years now — so what is wrong if he has received a National Award?”
Amid the growing online discourse, Shah Rukh Khan broke his silence with a heartfelt video message, thanking his family, fans, and the film fraternity for their unwavering support.
“They know my obsession with cinema takes me away from them, but they all bear it with a smile and allow me the time. So thank you very much for that. A National Award is not just about achievement. It’s a reminder that what I do matters.”
He continued:
“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 heard — is a blessing.”
Ending the video with a powerful promise, SRK said:
“And I promise to use this recognition not as a finish line but as fuel to continue striving, learning, and giving life. This award is a reminder to me that acting is not just work, it’s a responsibility. It’s a responsibility to show the truth on screen.”
Shah Rukh Khan shares the Best Actor National Award with Vikrant Massey this year — marking his first-ever win at the prestigious ceremony, decades into a legendary career that has shaped Indian cinema.
