August 4, 2025: After three decades in the film industry, Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) has finally bagged his first National Film Award, taking home the Best Actor trophy for his performance in Atlee’s Jawan. The actor, known for his diverse roles, was recognized for playing a double role in the film, Vikram Rathore, a retired Army officer, and his son Azad, a jailor who seeks to bring justice by confronting corruption.
This win, which comes at the 71st National Film Awards, marks a special moment in SRK’s career, and fans have been quick to celebrate this achievement. His performance in Jawan has been widely appreciated for its range, combining intense action with emotional depth, and it’s this versatility that earned him the much-awaited recognition.
Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey Share Best Actor Award
In a rare moment of recognition, SRK shared the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey, who was honoured for his role in the film 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The two actors were celebrated for their strong performances in their respective films, making this year’s awards even more special.
As the news broke, congratulatory messages poured in from all corners of the film industry. One of the warmest came from Viveck Vaswani, an old friend and collaborator of Shah Rukh. On social media, Viveck shared a picture of the two from the early days, writing, “Congratulations @iamsrk on the National Award! Very late but very, very deserving!” SRK responded with his usual humour, saying, “Thank u for the wishes. All started with you. Raju finally ban gaya gentleman,” referring to their collaboration in the 1992 film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman.
Shashi Tharoor’s Witty Message and SRK’s Playful Reply
Another fun moment came when Shashi Tharoor congratulated SRK on social media. The Congress leader’s message was brief and straightforward, which SRK cheekily acknowledged. “Thank u for the simple praise Mr. Tharoor… wouldn’t have understood something more magniloquent and sesquipedalian… ha ha,” SRK joked, making reference to Tharoor’s love for big words.
The exchange between the two was met with laughter from fans, who appreciated SRK’s ability to mix wit with humility. One fan commented, “Only SRK can make a simple tweet this charming.”
A New Chapter for SRK in Jawan
Jawan has been one of the major films of 2023, not just for its box office success but for the strong performances, especially SRK’s. Playing two very different roles, Vikram, the disciplined ex-Army officer, and Azad, the bold, rebellious son—Shah Rukh showed a side of himself that audiences hadn’t seen in a while. His dual performance not only impressed viewers but also critics, who have long praised his ability to transform into completely different characters.
This National Award win is a proud moment for SRK, as it acknowledges the hard work and dedication he has shown over the years. His role in Jawan is just one example of his evolving career, but it’s one that has brought him the recognition that many believed was long overdue.