New Delhi: Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan often hailed as the “King of Bollywood,” received his first National Film Award for Best Actor today marking a historic moment in his three-decade-long career. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi.
Directed by Atlee, Jawan (2023) became one of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history collecting over ₹1,100 crore worldwide. Khan’s dual performance as both father (Captain Vikram Rathore) and son (Azad) was widely praised for its emotional depth and action-driven intensity. The film tackled themes of corruption social justice and women’s empowerment making it both a commercial juggernaut and a socially resonant drama.
Khan’s journey from Delhi theatre and television to becoming a global icon began with Deewana (1992). His early anti-hero roles in Baazigar and Darr shocked audiences while Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge cemented his reputation as the face of romance in India. Films such as Devdas, Swades, Chak De! India and My Name Is Khan showcased his versatility. After a period of mixed critical reception in the late 2010s Khan returned with record-breaking blockbusters Pathaan and Jawan in 2023.
Khan is married to interior designer Gauri Khan with whom he has three children Aryan, Suhana and AbRam. His family life has not been free of public scrutiny in 2021 his eldest son Aryan was embroiled in a drug-related case but was later cleared of all charges. Earlier the actor faced controversies ranging from the 2012 Wankhede Stadium incident to debates over his comments on intolerance in 2015. Yet each time Khan managed to emerge with his dignity and fan support intact.
Although Khan has won a record 15 Filmfare Awards and was conferred the Padma Shri in 2005 this is the first time he has received the coveted National Film Award. Internationally he has been honored with France’s Légion d’honneur and has featured on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People.
Beyond cinema Khan is a formidable entrepreneur. His production house Red Chillies Entertainment has a state-of-the-art VFX division powering Indian films. He co-owns the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders valued at over $1 billion. As of 2025 his estimated net worth stands at $876 million ranking him the fourth richest actor in the world. His endorsement portfolio spans more than 30 brands globally from luxury watches to tech giants.
Khan’s global stardom with an estimated fan base of over one billion has made him India’s cultural ambassador. His films have boosted tourism in Switzerland and Dubai while his international recognition reinforces India’s soft power abroad.
The National Award for Jawan is not merely a personal triumph for Shah Rukh Khan but also a symbolic moment for Indian cinema. After 33 years of superstardom the recognition affirms his dual identity as both a beloved entertainer and a socially conscious performer.
