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In a milestone moment that feels long overdue, Shah Rukh Khan has been awarded the National Film Award for Best Actor for the first time in his 30-year career.

The National Film Awards, among the oldest and most prestigious accolades in Indian cinema, have recognised excellence in film since 1954. The Best Actor category has been presented annually since 1967.

The 59-year-old megastar shares the honour with Vikrant Massey, who was recognised for his powerful turn in 12th Fail, while Khan was celebrated for his dual role in the 2023 box office juggernaut Jawan.

The two actors were jointly named Best Actor at India’s 71st National Film Awards, where 12th Fail also walked away with the coveted Best Feature Film prize, and Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award.

That Khan, one of the most beloved and influential figures in Indian cinema, is receiving his first National Award after three decades in the industry has sparked both celebration and reflection among fans. But as he made clear in a heartfelt video message, the journey is far from over.

Currently recovering from an on-set injury with his right arm in a sling, Khan took to Instagram to share the message with his fans and peers. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility,” he said. “A National Award is not just about achievement. It’s a reminder that what I do matters.”

The actor, who played both a battle-scarred army veteran and his idealistic son in Atlee’s Jawan, described the recognition as fuel rather than a finish line. “It tells me to keep going, keep working hard, keep creating and keep serving cinema,” he added.

In his message, Khan thanked the Indian Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the National Film Awards jury, and the directors who shaped his recent body of work — Rajkumar Hirani (Dunki), Siddharth Anand (Pathaan), and, most of all, Atlee, the director of Jawan. “Atlee sir, this is like you say, mass,” he quipped, referencing the filmmaker’s signature style and the film’s unapologetic embrace of action-packed, socially conscious spectacle.

Khan also expressed deep appreciation for his team, family and fans. “To my management team, thank you for putting up with my eccentricities and impatience. To my wife and kids — thank you for allowing me the space to chase this passion, even when it takes me away from you.”

“And to my audience — thank you for all the cheers and all the tears,” he said, signing off with a promise: “I’ll be back on screen soon.”