In a historic first, Shah Rukh Khan, widely known as the “King of Bollywood,” was awarded the Best Actor title at the 71st National Film Awards for his performance in the 2023 blockbuster Jawan. While fans and industry colleagues celebrated the milestone, the internet had mixed reactions—many applauding the moment, others questioning whether Jawan was truly the film that deserved to bring SRK his first National honour.
The awards, announced on August 1, 2025, also saw Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) share the Best Actor honour, and Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) win Best Actress. The winners were each presented with the prestigious Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) and ₹2 lakh in prize money. Ashutosh Gowariker, director of SRK’s iconic Swades, handed over the award to him—stirring even more conversations around how long the superstar had waited for such recognition.
Social media platforms erupted with celebration—but also with pointed questions. Critics and cinephiles voiced their surprise that the National Award jury selected Jawan, a mass-action entertainer, over some of SRK’s more nuanced performances in Swades, Chak De! India, My Name is Khan, or even the recently acclaimed Dunki.
Many users called the win “emotional but misplaced.” One viral post read:
“He deserved a National Award for Swades 20 years ago. Not for Jawan. This feels like making up for lost time.”
Others pointed to how SRK’s real range as an actor shines more in character-driven roles rather than high-octane commercial films.
Defenders of the award argue that Jawan, directed by Atlee, wasn’t just an action film. They highlight how the movie tackled issues like corruption, gender equality, and healthcare injustice. SRK’s portrayal of a soldier-turned-vigilante and his dual role—one emotional, the other fierce—was seen by some as a performance deserving of national recognition. His fan base, in particular, was quick to remind critics that the National Award is not just for art-house cinema, but also for impactful performances in mainstream films.
In a video message shared after the win, SRK—sporting a sling due to a recent injury—thanked the jury, his directors, and his fans. He said the award would act as “motivation, not validation.” Despite the backlash, his response was calm and heartfelt, reflecting his trademark humility.
Award juries often walk a tightrope between art and popularity. The decision to honour Jawan may not satisfy every critic, but it undeniably marks a long-overdue moment in Shah Rukh Khan’s career. Whether one agrees with the jury or not, the larger consensus is clear: SRK’s contribution to Indian cinema is unmatched, and a National Award—even if delayed—was inevitable.