Shah Rukh Khan Wins First National Award for Jawan After 33 Years in Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan wins first National Award after a remarkable 33-year journey in the film industry, earning the Best Actor honour for his powerful role in the 2023 blockbuster Jawan.
The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, and for the first time in his storied career, Shah Rukh Khan was named Best Actor by the Government of India. The award is a major milestone for the actor often hailed as the King of Bollywood, who has delivered some of Indian cinema’s most iconic performances across decades.
He shares the Best Actor honour with Vikrant Massey, who received the award for his moving portrayal in 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Despite earning critical acclaim and mass popularity in films like Swades, Chak De! India, and My Name Is Khan, SRK had long been absent from the list of National Award winners. His role as a dual-character hero in Jawan, directed by Atlee, finally secured the recognition fans and critics believed was overdue.
SRK made his debut in 1992 with Deewana, and quickly rose to superstardom. From Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Raees, his filmography boasts a range that spans romance, drama, and action. However, the National Award eluded him for years, even when Chak De! India won for Best Popular Film in 2007, and Swades gained critical acclaim in 2004.
In Jawan, Shah Rukh blended action and emotion, portraying a vigilante battling social injustice. The film not only dominated the box office but also touched a national nerve, earning over ₹1,300 crore in India and ₹2,500 crore worldwide in 2023. This historic win also caps a triumphant year for SRK, who returned to the big screen with Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki—three back-to-back commercial successes.
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In addition to SRK’s long-awaited win, Rani Mukerji was honoured with the Best Actress award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Her gripping portrayal of a mother battling a foreign legal system earned both critical and public acclaim. This marks Rani’s first National Award as well, despite her impressive career since the mid-90s.
Other highlights from the 71st National Film Awards include:
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail, which also earned Vikrant Massey the Best Actor title.
- Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story.
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery.
- Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for Jawan.
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani directed by Karan Johar.
- Best Makeup & Costume Design: Sam Bahadur, starring Vicky Kaushal.
- Technical Wins: Animal bagged awards for Best Sound Design, Best Music Direction (Background Score), and Special Mention for Re-recording.
SRK’s new accolade joins a long list of honors, including the Padma Shri, France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and the Legion of Honour, reflecting both national and global recognition of his contribution to cinema.
The 71st National Film Awards have finally placed a long-overdue feather in Shah Rukh Khan’s cap, cementing his status not just as a superstar but as a critically acclaimed actor in the eyes of the nation.
