Shah Rukh Khan recently turned 60 and celebrated his day with a special meet with his fans on Sunday. During the interaction, the superstar opened up about not winning the National Award sooner and said that it used to make him feel bad.
He said, “10–15 years ago, I used to sometimes feel bad when I didn’t get an award, because I felt that I gave my best in every performance. I work very hard, but sometimes I have felt bad when my efforts weren’t recognised. Honestly, creative work needs validation, because there’s no other way to measure it. In theatre, when we acted, people applauding gave us that validation.”
Shah Rukh added, “I decided that whether I get an award or not, meeting the people who love me is the most satisfying. I know that’s not always possible. In the past, I used to meet fans everywhere- malls, streets, trucks, planes, shows. Now I’ve slowed down, and I focus mainly on my films. But for me, this moment with my fans validates everything I do. All awards aside, this moment means a lot.”
He thanked the jury who gave him the honour. “My friend Ashutosh Gowariker was on the committee. Ironically, even for his own film (Swades), he probably felt I deserved it,” Shah Rukh said.
Earlier this year, Shah Rukh won the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film, Jawan (2023). He shared the award with Vikrant Massey, who won it for Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail. It marked Shah Rukh’s first ever National Award win in a career of more than three decades.
On the work front, Shah Rukh will be seen next in Siddharth Anand’s actioner, King. Its first look was unveiled on the superstar’s birthday, giving a glimpse into its slick, action packed world where Shah Rukh donned a stylish grey hair look.