Shah Rukh Khan on Being the First Indian Honored at Locarno Film Festival: ‘I Love the Coziness of This Place’

Ziya Khan August 12, 2024Last Updated: August 12, 2024

Global superstar Shah Rukh Khan was recently celebrated at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, where he received the prestigious Pardo Alla Carriera award. This accolade underscores Khan’s significant contributions to global cinema, marking a momentous occasion for both the actor and the Indian film industry. The award ceremony took place in the renowned Piazza Grande, attracting a crowd of over 8,000 eager attendees who gathered to witness the legendary actor’s acceptance speech.

During the event, Shah Rukh Khan shared his thoughts with NDTV about returning to Switzerland after an extended absence. He humorously noted the warmer weather, saying, “It’s a little hot here compared to when I’m usually here. Normally, it’s very cool and nice. It’s like India, like Mumbai.”Khan expressed a sense of nostalgia for the stunning Swiss locations where he filmed some of his most iconic movies, particularly those directed by the late Yash Chopra. “Send me pictures from there. It’s been so long I don’t remember them,” he remarked with a smile.

He fondly reminisced about his early experiences in Switzerland, recalling how significant it felt to be in the country during the late 1990s. “When I started off in the late 90s, being here was a big thing. And now, coming back all these years later, it’s heartwarming that people still remember those moments,” Khan reflected. Receiving the Pardo Alla Carriera award is a historic achievement for Khan, as he became the first Indian actor to receive this honor at the Locarno Film Festival. He expressed his appreciation for the festival’s warm atmosphere, saying, “I love the coziness of this place and the dignity with which they conduct the award function. I’m very happy to be here and truly thrilled.”