Mumbai: In a landmark moment in Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as the King of Bollywood, has finally been honoured with his first-ever National Film Award, marking a monumental milestone in his illustrious career that spans over three decades and more than 90 films.
The 59-year-old superstar received the Best Actor Award at the 71st National Film Awards for his powerful and emotionally layered performance in Atlee’s 2023 blockbuster Jawan. The award, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on August 1, 2025, has been hailed by fans and critics alike as long overdue recognition for one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures.
A Crown Long Awaited
Though widely celebrated as one of India’s greatest and most successful actors—both commercially and critically—Shah Rukh Khan had, until now, never received a National Award. From romantic heartthrob to action hero, from anti-hero to global cultural ambassador, SRK has portrayed a kaleidoscope of characters with effortless charm and emotional depth.
With Jawan, the veteran actor delivered a commanding dual-role performance that seamlessly blended emotion, action, and social commentary. His portrayal of both the vigilante Azad and his father Vikram Rathore showcased his range, intensity, and magnetic screen presence—finally prompting the jury to bestow him with the highest recognition in Indian cinema.
A Glittering Career of Hits
Since his debut in 1992 with Raj Kanwar’s Deewana, Shah Rukh Khan has gone on to headline some of the most iconic and successful films in Indian cinema history, including:
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
- Dil Se (1998)
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
- Mohabbatein (2000)
- Devdas (2002)
- Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
- Swades (2004)
- Veer-Zaara (2004)
- Chak De! India (2007)
- My Name is Khan (2010)
- Raees (2017)
- Pathaan (2023)
- Jawan (2023)
As of 2025, Shah Rukh Khan has acted in over 90 films, with a career that spans genres, languages, and audiences across the globe.
71st National Film Awards: Other Major Winners
The 2025 National Film Awards featured a strong lineup of talents across the Indian film spectrum:
- Best Actor (tie): Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
- Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway)
- Best Film: 12th Fail (directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra)
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal (directed by Ashok Mishra)
- Best Director: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
- Best Film on National and Social Values: Sam Bahadur
- Best Popular Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao (Jawan)
- Best Music Direction: Jointly awarded to GV Prakash Kumar (Vaathi) and Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
- Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
- Best AVGC Film: HanuMan (Telugu, directed by Prasanth Varma)
- Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge (by Arjun Dutta)
Jawan: A Box Office Phenomenon
Jawan, which released on September 7, 2023, went on to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, earning a staggering ₹1,160 crore worldwide, according to IMDb. The film starred Nayanthara in her Hindi debut, alongside Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanya Malhotra, Ridhi Dogra, and Priyamani. It was not just a box office juggernaut but also praised for its social message, stylized action, and Shah Rukh Khan’s transformational performance.
An Award That Feels Like Justice
For fans who have waited patiently to see Shah Rukh Khan’s name etched in the annals of National Award history, this recognition is not just a celebration but a correction of a long-standing omission. As one fan tweeted, “It took 33 years, but the King finally has his crown.”
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