Did Mukesh Khanna Justify SRK Winning the National Award After 40 Years of Hard Work?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shah Rukh Khan has received his first National Award after 33 years.
- Mukesh Khanna supports SRK's hard work over the decades.
- Critics question the jury's decision, highlighting regional biases.
- SRK expresses gratitude, viewing the award as motivation.
- The award symbolizes responsibility in portraying truth through cinema.
Mumbai, Aug 4 (NationPress) Fans of Shah Rukh Khan are celebrating as the beloved actor has finally secured his first National Award after dedicating over 33 years to the film industry.
Nevertheless, actress Urvashi, who won the National Award for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role in 'Ullozhukku', has questioned the integrity of the jury and the criteria that led to SRK receiving this esteemed accolade.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna was asked to weigh in on the matter.
Khanna noted that it is somewhat politically charged to claim that the National Award should have been awarded to a South Indian actor.
The 'Shaktimaan' star remarked, "Those who argue that Shah Rukh Khan ought to have received the award for his earlier film (Swadesh) should remember that A R Rahman won an Oscar for 'Jai Ho' and not for the many remarkable songs he created in his career."
"Shah Rukh has been laboring for the last 40 years—so what’s the harm in him receiving a National Award?" Khanna stated.
In the meantime, expressing his appreciation for receiving his first National Award for Atlee's direction, SRK shared a heartfelt video message. He expressed, “They understand my passion for cinema often keeps me away, but they support me with smiles and patience. Thank you for that. This National Award goes beyond mere accomplishment; it serves as a reminder that my work is significant. It encourages me to persist, to create, and to contribute to cinema. In a noisy world, being truly heard is a blessing.”
"I vow to utilize this recognition not as a destination but as motivation to continue evolving, learning, and enriching life. This award signifies that acting transcends mere work; it embodies a responsibility to portray truth on screen," King Khan concluded.