Shah Rukh Khan Has Been Working Hard for 40 Years’: Mukesh Khanna Defends SRK’s National Award

Ziya Khan August 6, 2025Last Updated: August 6, 2025

Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated National Film Award win has sparked widespread conversation across the industry—both in celebration and debate. While fans flooded social media with praise for SRK’s powerful performance in Jawan, some critics voiced their reservations. Actress Urvashi, who won Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku, subtly questioned the jury’s decision, suggesting Shah Rukh’s award might not have been fully justified for this particular film.

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna stepped forward to defend Shah Rukh amidst the controversy, noting that debates over the timing and choice of awards are nothing new in the film world. Speaking to IANS, Khanna remarked, “People who say Shah Rukh Khan should have won for Swades instead of Jawan should remember that A R Rahman received an Oscar for ‘Jai Ho’ and not for the many other beautiful songs he created earlier.”Emphasizing Shah Rukh’s long-standing dedication to cinema, Khanna added, “Shah Rukh has been working tirelessly for the past 40 years—so what’s wrong with him finally receiving a National Award?”

As the discussion unfolded online, Shah Rukh Khan broke his silence with a heartfelt video message. He expressed gratitude to his family and fans, reflecting on the deeper meaning of this prestigious honour.“They know my obsession with cinema often takes me away from them, but they bear it with a smile and give me the time I need. So, thank you all for that. A National Award is not just a recognition of achievement; it’s a reminder that what I do matters. It encourages me to keep going, keep working hard, keep creating, and keep serving cinema. In a world full of noise, to be truly heard is a blessing.”

He concluded his message with a heartfelt vow: “I promise to use this recognition not as a finish line, but as fuel to keep striving, learning, and bringing stories to life. This award reminds me that acting is more than just a profession—it’s a responsibility. A responsibility to portray truth on screen.”