SRK's National Award Win Draws Mixed Reactions

Bollywood's King Khan receives backing from Mukesh Khanna as critics question jury's decision

Shah Rukh Khan's first National Film Award win has become a talking point across the Indian film industry, with veteran actor Mukesh Khanna stepping forward to defend the superstar's recognition for his performance in Jawan.

The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, honored Khan with the Best Actor award for his role in Atlee's action thriller, marking a significant milestone in his 33-year career. Khan shared the honor with Vikrant Massey, who won for his acclaimed performance in 12th Fail.

However, the decision has not been without controversy. Actress Urvashi, who won Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku, publicly questioned the jury's selection criteria, raising concerns about potential bias against South Indian cinema. Her comments have sparked broader discussions about regional representation in national film honors.

Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of Shaktimaan, has emerged as one of Khan's most vocal supporters. The veteran actor emphasized that the National Award is "not small" and defended Jawan as "a great performance and a relevant film for the times."

Adding to the support, longtime friend and collaborator Viveck Vaswani also praised Khan's achievement. Vaswani, who co-produced Khan's early film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, called the award "very late but very, very deserving." In a heartwarming exchange on social media, Khan responded to Vaswani's congratulations by saying, "All started with you. Raju finally ban gaya gentleman," referencing their 1992 collaboration that helped launch his Bollywood career.

The film Jawan, directed by Atlee, features Khan in a double role alongside an ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, and Vijay Sethupathi. The action drama tells the story of a jailer who teams up with female inmates to fight against systemic corruption, striking a chord with audiences for its socially relevant themes.

Vaswani particularly praised the film's contemporary relevance, describing it as addressing issues pertinent to current times. This defense comes as some critics argued that Khan deserved recognition for earlier acclaimed performances in films like Swades and Chak De! India rather than for Jawan.

The award has generated mixed reactions on social media, with fans celebrating the long-overdue recognition while others debate whether the selection was appropriate. Some industry observers view the award as acknowledgment of Khan's sustained contribution to Indian cinema, particularly his ability to reinvent himself with commercially successful yet socially conscious content.

Khan expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking the jury, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and the Indian government. "Overwhelmed with the love showered upon me," he wrote, extending "half a hug to everyone."

As the debate continues, Khan is already looking ahead to his next project, King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The action thriller will reportedly feature his daughter Suhana Khan alongside Abhishek Bachchan and other prominent actors, though the official cast announcement is still pending.

The controversy surrounding Khan's National Award ultimately reflects broader conversations about recognition, regional cinema representation, and the evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking in an increasingly diverse and competitive industry.