Even deep down, the King would admit that it’s come way too late.
Millions of Shah Rukh Khan fans are celebrating their icon’s maiden National Award for Best Actor courtesy of Atlee’s Jawan – a huge sigh of relief.
Yet, eyebrows are raised as to why he had to wait patiently for 33 years to bag the coveted honour, which he will be sharing with a much younger Vikrant Massey (12th Fail).
Honestly speaking, Jawan may have played a pivotal role in shaping SRK’s comeback but it may not make it to the list of his five memorable performances.
Talking of National recognition, two movies that deserved to ensure that he was feted with the laurels would have to be Swades (2004) and Chak De! India (2007).
And what a sheer stroke of luck that despite Shah Rukh not being the first choice for both movies, it was he who eventually bailed out the makers.
In fact, Swades director Ashutosh Gowariker had first approached Hrithik Roshan, who declined the offer on the grounds that he didn’t relate to the essence of the role. SRK stepped in later.
Yash Raj Films initially wanted Salman Khan for the Shimit Amin-directorial Chak De! India, but irreconcilable differences over money forced Salman to walk out and the role fell on Shah Rukh’s lap, much akin to many of his blockbusters.
Devdas fans might be upset but let’s face it – Swades and Chak De…stand out in the melee of his landmark outings.
Now, why do we vehemently argue over this stance? Both the movies depicted Shah Rukh the actor and not the star whose clout with the audiences knew no bounds.
Shah Rukh’s portrayal of a NASA scientist who was lured by responsibilities back in his small village in Swades won him plaudits from those staunch critics who refused to take him seriously as an actor.
In Chak De! India, his essaying of a tainted former hockey player who staved off the blot on his reputation, coaching an indisciplined group of women hockey players to World Cup glory, was potent enough to demoralise his detractors.
Unfortunately, neither of the movies succeeded in striking a chord with the esteemed jury, leaving SRK disappointed.
Shah Rukh’s mannerisms were conspicuous by their absence in Swades and Chak De! India which was a breath of fresh air for moviegoers. Also missing for a change was the usual spreading of the King of Romance’s spread hands – a gesture that sweeps any girl off her feet.
Swades didn’t set the cash registers ringing at the box office, but Chak De! India struck gold, yet the immorality of these films is attributed to Shah Rukh’s indomitable screen presence, contrary to his clichéd avatar.
Jawan raked in the moolah and after Pathan reinstated the Badshah’s box-office prowess, yet the movie was a run-off-the-mill mainstream potboiler bereft of substance either in terms of the lead actor’s character or the content.
But as destiny would have it, it is the unrivalled on-screen charisma of SRK that has earned him an award which all this while played the hide and seek game with him.
So perhaps, it’s Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled stardom that has had the last laugh striking a blow to his untapped acting mastery.
The show must go on and it is always better than never. Yet, the protracted wait was exasperating for sure.
But the question haunts – Jawan? But why?
I will be back on screen soon: Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh is elated and expressed his rapture in a video he shared hours after the official announcement.
Posing with an injured right hand, King Khan says that the honour is not a “finished line but as a fuel to continue striving, learning and giving back.”
“Needless to say, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility. To be honoured with the National Award is a moment that I will cherish for a lifetime,” he said, thanking the directors of his three 2023 films helping him salvage his waning magic – Atlee (Jawan), Siddharth Anand (Pathan) and Raju Hirani (Dunki).
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And he adds, “A National Award isn’t about achievements, it’s a reminder that what I do matters. It tells me to keep working hard and serving cinema.”
Before winding up he promises his fans that he WILL BE BACK in the theatres, “Get your popcorn ready.”
