Shah Rukh Khan has finally been honoured with the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor for his stellar performance in Atlee’s Jawan (2023), marking a significant milestone in his decades-long career. Despite being one of India’s most recognized and celebrated actors globally, this is SRK’s first National Award, underscoring the high standards and rigor associated with this accolade.
The felicitation ceremony took place at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, where SRK looked elegant in a black bandhgala, paired with dark sunglasses and his signature cropped ponytail. Seated beside him was longtime collaborator and friend Rani Mukerji, who also received her first Best Actor National Film Award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023). Vikrant Massey was another first-time winner in the category for his emotional performance in 12th Fail.
Fans and industry insiders celebrated the momentous achievement across social media. Among the first to publicly congratulate SRK was his wife, Gauri Khan, who shared a striking photo of him on Instagram, likely taken before he headed to the ceremony. In her post, Gauri highlighted SRK’s dedication both in front of the camera and behind it, praising his hard work and consistent commitment to cinema. She also humorously revealed that she would be using her interior design expertise to craft a special mantle to showcase the award.
Her caption read: “What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!! So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hardwork and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award.”
Industry colleagues, including fellow actors and filmmakers, also took to social media to applaud SRK’s achievement. Many noted that while he has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, the National Film Award holds a special place in the Indian film fraternity due to its legacy and recognition by the government.
Jawan, released in 2023, was both a critical and commercial success, further cementing SRK’s reputation as a versatile actor capable of balancing blockbuster appeal with nuanced performances. The film’s action-packed sequences, emotional depth, and socially relevant themes were highlighted as key factors contributing to his recognition by the National Film Awards jury.
As SRK continues to receive accolades, Gauri Khan’s thoughtful gesture of creating a dedicated display for his National Award symbolizes not just personal pride but also the celebration of a career that has inspired millions of fans around the world.
