After more than 30 years in the film industry, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan–fondly known as Badshah of Bollywood, King Khan, and simply SRK–has finally added one of the most prestigious honours to his name.
On Tuesday, the 59-year-old actor received his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in Delhi.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan, where SRK appeared in a black suit, smiling as he held the golden trophy. His longtime manager, Pooja Dadlani, was also in attendance.
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#WATCH | Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu confers Superstar Shah Rukh Khan with the National Film Award for the Best Actor in a Leading Role for his film ‘Jawan’.
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/e3H4Kv4epy
— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025
Shah Rukh won the award for his power-packed performance in Atlee’s 2023 blockbuster Jawan, where he played a dual role consisting of action, emotion, and intensity. This film went on to be one of the biggest hits of the year, asserting again the enduring charm of Shah Rukh that has been unmatched in his times.
Emotional thanks to fans and team
After the winners were announced in August, SRK shared an emotional video thanking his fans, colleagues, and family.
“Thank you for honouring me with the National Award. Thanks to the jury, the I&B ministry. Iss samman ke liye Bharat Sarkar ka dhanyawaad. Overwhelmed with the love showered upon me. Half a hug to everyone today…,” he had said.
He later added: “Needless to say, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride, and humility. To be honoured with the National Award is a moment that I will cherish for a lifetime. Thank you so much to the jury, the chairman, and to the I&B Ministry, and to everyone who thought I was worthy of this honour.”
The actor credited his team for their tireless efforts: “I want to thank my team and management, which works tirelessly. They bear with me my eccentricities and my impatience and give me their full attention, making me look much better than I am. This award would not be possible at all without their love and perseverance.”
Acknowledging family’s role
SRK also spoke about the unwavering support of his family, who have stood by him through his decades-long journey.
“My wife and kids, who over the last few years have given me so much more love and care as if I am 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,” he emphasised.
Back in Delhi for a Historic Moment
Shah Rukh, who is currently shooting overseas for his upcoming film King, made a special trip back to Delhi to attend the ceremony. King will see him share the screen with his daughter Suhana Khan for the first time, alongside frequent co-star Deepika Padukone.
The SRK–Deepika bond
Deepika, who first debuted opposite Shah Rukh in 2007’s Om Shanti Om, recently expressed her excitement about teaming up with him yet again. Sharing a candid behind-the-scenes photo from King on Instagram, she recalled:
“The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success. I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since. And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together. #king #day1.”
The duo has delivered multiple blockbusters together, from Chennai Express and Happy New Year to Pathaan and Jawan. With King, the partnership looks set to continue its winning streak.
