MUKESH KHANNA BACKS SHAH RUKH KHAN AMID NATIONAL FILM AWARD ROW
Context of the Controversy
Shah Rukh Khan won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2025 for his performance in Atlee’s Jawan. While many celebrated SRK’s win as a long-overdue recognition of his stellar 40-year career, the award sparked a wave of debate and criticism. Some industry insiders and viewers questioned the timing of the award and whether Jawan was the appropriate film for the honor.
A prominent critic was actress Urvashi, the Best Supporting Actress awardee for Ullozhukku, who publicly questioned the jury's decision and selection criteria, pointing to concerns about fairness and southern cinema representation.
Mukesh Khanna’s Defense of Shah Rukh Khan
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna stepped into the debate firmly supporting Shah Rukh Khan. Speaking to media, Khanna said:
"People criticizing Shah Rukh for receiving the award for Jawan instead of an older film like Swades should remember that great artists receive recognition for specific works, much like A.R. Rahman won the Oscar for 'Jai Ho' and not for all his earlier work."
"Shah Rukh Khan has worked incredibly hard for over 40 years in cinema. What is wrong with finally receiving a National Award recognizing his contribution?"
Khanna called the criticism "absurd" and insisted that awards often honor an actor’s entire career as well as the particular performance.
His statements urge respect for the actor's decades-long dedication and highlight that awards are both an acknowledgment of performance and cumulative contribution.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Response
In response to the award and the surrounding debates, Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartfelt video message:
He reminded fans and critics alike that the National Award is "not just about achievement, but a reminder that what I do matters."
SRK emphasized the responsibility of acting to portray truth and the motivation the award gives him to continue striving and serving cinema with dedication.
He expressed deep gratitude to the jury, the Ministry, and his supporters for the recognition after a long career.
Summary
Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award win for Jawan has been both celebrated and questioned.
Mukesh Khanna strongly defends SRK’s win, comparing it to esteemed recognitions like A.R. Rahman’s Oscar and highlighting decades of hard work.
The controversy reveals deeper tensions about award selection criteria, regional representation, and timing in India’s film industry.
SRK accepts the award as encouragement to keep pursuing excellence in acting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: Who is Mukesh Khanna, and what is his stance on SRK’s National Award?
Mukesh Khanna is a veteran Indian actor who publicly defended Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award win, calling criticism "absurd" and emphasizing SRK’s 40 years of hard work in cinema.
Q2: For which film did Shah Rukh Khan win the National Film Award?
Shah Rukh Khan won Best Actor for his role in Jawan at the 71st National Film Awards in 2025.
Q3: What was the nature of the controversy around SRK’s award?
Some industry figures and viewers questioned why SRK won for Jawan instead of earlier acclaimed films and debated the jury’s selection process and regional representation.
Q4: How did Shah Rukh Khan respond to the debate?
SRK released a video expressing gratitude and said the award reminds him that his work matters and motivates him to continue working hard.
Q5: What comparison did Mukesh Khanna make to defend SRK?
Mukesh Khanna compared the award to A.R. Rahman winning an Oscar for the song "Jai Ho" rather than for all his earlier works, underscoring that awards recognize specific achievements regardless of past efforts.
Published on: August 6, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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