New Delhi: After more than three decades as one of India’s most beloved actors, Shah Rukh Khan has finally been honoured with his first National Film Award. The 59-year-old superstar received the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role on Tuesday at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhavan in the capital. President Droupadi Murmu presented him with the honour.
President Droupadi Murmu confers Superstar #ShahRukhKhan with the National Film Award for the Best Actor in a Leading Role for his film ‘#Jawan‘@iamsrk pic.twitter.com/Qz5e0rysR9
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) September 23, 2025
SRK was recognised for his powerhouse performance in Atlee’s Jawan (2023), where he played a dual role that blended action, emotion, and social commentary. The film was a massive box-office success and marked a strong comeback for the actor after a brief hiatus.
Dressed in a sharp black suit, Khan looked visibly moved as he accepted the award. His long-time manager, Pooja Dadlani, was by his side at the prestigious ceremony. Following the official announcement of the winners in August, the actor had posted a heartfelt video thanking his fans, family, colleagues, and the jury. “To be honoured with the National Award is a moment that I will cherish for a lifetime,” he had said, adding that he was “overwhelmed with gratitude, pride, and humility.”
The actor, who is currently filming King overseas, 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, while Deepika Padukone also plays a significant role in the project.
For a man often called the “King of Bollywood,” Tuesday’s win was more than just another accolade, it was a historic career milestone, capping 30 years of cinematic dominance with the nation’s highest recognition for acting.
