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Mukesh Khanna defends Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award win for Jawan, calling out critics and comparing it to A.R. Rahman’s Oscar for Jai Ho.
Mukesh Khanna on Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award for Jawan.
Shah Rukh Khan’s long-awaited win at the National Film Awards has got the entire industry talking — and not just in celebration. While fans flooded social media with love for SRK’s Jawan performance, some voices weren’t as thrilled. Actress Urvashi, who took home Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku, questioned the jury’s decision, subtly implying that Shah Rukh’s win may not have been fully deserved.
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna stepped in to address the controversy, pointing out that criticism over timing and choice isn’t new when it comes to big awards. Speaking to IANS, he said, “People who are saying that Shah Rukh Khan should not have received the award for this film (Jawan) but for Swades — remember A R Rahman received the Oscar for ‘Jai Ho’ and not for the various beautiful songs he created in the past.”
Backing Shah Rukh’s decades-long contribution to cinema, he added, “Shah Rukh has been working hard for the past 40 years now — so what is wrong if he has received a National Award?”
As the conversation played out online, Shah Rukh broke his silence with a heartfelt video message, thanking his family and fans while reflecting on what the honour truly meant.
“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. 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.”
He ended the message with a powerful promise, “And I promise to use this recognition not as a finish line but as fuel to continue striving, learning, and giving life. This award is a reminder to me that acting is not just work, it’s a responsibility. It’s a responsibility to show the truth on screen.”
Whether or not everyone agrees with the jury’s decision, there’s no denying the emotional impact this win has had on SRK and the millions who’ve followed his journey for over four decades. And if his words are any sign, he’s only just getting started.
Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring…Read More
Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring… Read More
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