Shah Rukh Khan on winning his first National Award: 'Acting is not just work; it's a responsibility'

Summary:

• Shah Rukh Khan wins his first National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan.

• He expresses gratitude to his directors, team, family, and fans in a heartfelt video message.

• Despite an arm injury on the sets of King, he delivers the message with warmth and composure.

Shah Rukh Khan has finally bagged a National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Atlee's action drama Jawan, as announced on August 1, 2025, chaired by Ashutosh Gowariker. In a video message shared after the win, the superstar addressed the honour with gratitude and humility, thanking the filmmakers he collaborated with in 2023 and crediting his family, fans, and team for their support.

Message filled with gratitude and pride

“Needless to say, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility,” Khan began his message. “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, the I&B ministry, and everyone who thought I was worthy of this honour.”

Thanking the filmmakers who shaped his comeback

The actor then gave a nod to the filmmakers who shaped his return to form after a gap of nearly five years. “I want to thank all my directors and writers, especially for the year 2023. So thank you, Raju (Rajkumar Hirani), sir. Thank you Sid (Siddharth Anand) and especially, thanks to Atlee Sir and his team for giving me the opportunity in Jawan and trusting me to deliver and be worthy of this award. Atlee Sir, this is like you say, ‘Mass.’”

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He acknowledged his professional team for standing by him through his career reinvention: “I want to thank my team and management, who work tirelessly with me. They bear with me, my eccentricities and impatience and give me their full attention and make me look much better than I am. Like even now in this video, this award, without the perseverance and love, would not be possible at all. Thank you so much for everything you do.”

Family support through his journey

Khan also touched on his personal life, crediting his family for their understanding. “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 they 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. So thank you very much for that.”

For Khan, the National Award isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a call to responsibility. The superstar stated, “A national award is not just about achievement. It's a reminder that what I do matters. It tells me to keep going, keep working hard, keep creating and keep serving cinema. In a world full of noise to be heard, truly heard is a blessing, and I promise to use this recognition, not as a finish line, but as fuel to continue striving, learning and giving life.”

National Award as a responsibility

He concluded his message in Hindi, underlining the emotional weight of the moment: “Yeh award mere liya ek reminder hai ke acting sirf kaam nahi hai, zimmedaari hai. Screen par sach dikhane ki zimmedaari. Aur sabke pyaar ka main bohot bohot aabhaari hoon. Bharat sarkar ka iss sammaan ke liye bohot bohot shukriya. (This award is a reminder for me that acting is not just work; it is a responsibility—a responsibility to show truth on screen. I am deeply, deeply grateful for everyone’s love. A big thank you to the Government of India for this honour.)”

Addressing his global fanbase, he signed off with warmth and humour: “And then lastly, to my fans, thank you for all the cheers and all the tears, and really, thank you for pausing your scrolling while watching my work. This award is for you, as each award is. And yeah, I would love to spread my arms for you and share my love, but I'm a bit indisposed. But don't worry, just keep the popcorn ready. I'll be back in theatres and soon on the screen.”

In the video, Shah Rukh Khan is seen wearing a black T-shirt, a white beanie, and a black arm sling—a visible sign of the injury he recently sustained on the sets of Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King. Despite his arm in a brace, Khan delivered the entire message with composure and warmth, underscoring his commitment to connect with his fans and acknowledge the milestone.

FAQs:

Q: Is this Shah Rukh Khan’s first National Award?

A: Yes, Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan at the 71st National Film Awards.

Q: Why was Shah Rukh Khan wearing an arm sling in the video?

A: SRK appeared with an arm sling due to an injury he sustained on the sets of Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King.

Q: What did Shah Rukh Khan say after winning the National Film Award for Jawan?

A: Shah Rukh Khan expressed gratitude, calling the award a responsibility, and thanked his directors, team, family, and fans in a heartfelt video message.