Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Friday said he was “overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility” after being named best actor at the 71st National Film Awards for ‘Jawan’, his first win at the prestigious film honours in a career spanning over three decades, reports Hindustan Times.
In a video message on Instagram, the 59-year-old actor said the National Film Award serves as a reminder that his work "matters" and encourages him to "keep going, working hard, keep creating and keep serving cinema".
The actor shares the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey, who won for his role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's directorial 12th Fail.
Jawan, which minted over ₹1,100 crore at the worldwide box office, was a high-octane thriller and featured SRK in the dual role of Army officer Vikram Rathore and his jailor son Azad.
Directed by Atlee, Jawan also starred Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, and Ridhi Dogra.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility. To be honored with the National Award is a moment that I will cherish for a lifetime," he said in the video message.
In the video, the actor's right hand was in a sling following an injury he sustained while shooting for his upcoming film "King".
"A national award is not just about achievement. It's a reminder that what I do matters. 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. And I promise to use this recognition, not as a finish line, but as fuel to continue striving, learning and giving back. This award is a reminder for me that acting is not just work but a responsibility, to show the truth on the screen. I am grateful for all the love," Shah Rukh said.
Shah Rukh, who made his film debut with 1992's "Deewana", also expressed gratitude to his family.
"My wife and kids who, over the last few years, give me so much more love and care as if I'm the kid in the house and want only the best for me. 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," he added.
Jawan was one of the highest-grossing films of 2023. 12 Fail was also released a month later. With his versatile acting skills, Vikrant left everyone speechless.
Based on a book by Anurag Pathak, 12th Fail chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an IPS officer. The film puts the spotlight on his journey and how his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, was instrumental in his rise.
The film emerged as a word-of-mouth hit towards the end of 2023, grossing nearly Rs6 billion worldwide at a time when mid-budget films were not even getting theatrical releases.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
