National Awards: Emotional Shah Rukh Khan blows a kiss at Sanjay Jaju as he talks about superstar making history

Shah Rukh Khan, who will receive his first National Award today, was praised by Sanjay Jaju. He was celebrated for his journey from theatre to global stardom.

Published on: Sep 23, 2025, 16:47:53 IST

By Soumya Srivastava

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Actor Shah Rukh Khan was seen blushing and smiling as Information and Broadcasting Ministry's secretary Sanjay Jaju spoke in his praise. At the 71st National Film Awards, Shah Rukh sat among fellow winners, ready to receive his first National Award on Tuesday, September 23 . As the ceremony began, Jaju spoke about multiple winners, but the longest screentime was still reserved for Shah Rukh.

Shah Rukh Khan blows a kiss at Sanjay Jaju during the 71st National Awards ceremony.

A first for Shah Rukh Khan

“And history is made, Shri Shah Rukh Khan ji. The man whose smile has crossed borders, whose dialogues have become our collective vocabulary, received his first National Award. His journey from Delhi theatre to global stardom is a story in itself. ‘Main kaun hu main kya hu (Who am I? What am I?),’ he asked in Jawan. Tonight, the answer is simple. He is not just the National Award winner but he is forever the king of hearts,” Sanjay Jaju said as the audience cheered for Shah Rukh.

The actor smiled and blew him a kiss as Rani Mukerji smiled next to him.

Shah Rukh looked handsome in a black suit and debuted a new salt and pepper look. He also wore dark sunglasses throughout the ceremony but took them off during the National Anthem.

Who won what?

Shah Rukh won his first National Award in 30 years for Jawan, which released in 2023, He shared the Best Actor win with Vikrant Massey, who starred in 12th Fail.

The Best Actress award was given to Rani Mukerji for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Monalal will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Shah Rukh will be seen next in King with Deepika Padukone and Rani Mukerji. His daughter Suhana Khan also stars in it. It will be directed by Siddharth Anand.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Soumya Srivastava
Soumya Srivastava is the Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor at Hindustan Times, bringing over a decade of experience covering movies, celebrities, pop culture, and everything that feels current and compelling. With a sharp editorial lens and an instinct for what resonates, she writes stories that balance insight with accessibility — whether she’s reporting from a red carpet, reviewing a buzzy new release, or unpacking the craft behind cinema. An unabashed Swiftie and a devoted admirer of Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking, Soumya blends heart and analysis in equal measure. She holds a degree in English Literature from Janki Devi Memorial College, Delhi University, and is an alumna of IIMC Dhenkanal (2013). As a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Film Critic, her reviews reflect credibility, cultural awareness, and a nuanced understanding of storytelling across genres and formats. She has interviewed celebrities like Celine Song, Zoya Akhtar, Kajol, Shabana Azmi, Pankaj Tripathi and more. She has also reviwes hundreds of movies and written thousands of stories, made videos, special columns and more. While films remain her first love, Soumya’s interests extend deeply into lifestyle and design. She is particularly drawn to décor, thoughtfully designed spaces, and the subtle ways aesthetics influence everyday living. From celebrity homes and interior trends to broader lifestyle movements, she enjoys exploring how personal taste intersects with identity and modern culture. Her voice is informed yet relatable, analytical yet warm — making her work engaging for a wide and diverse readership. Through her writing, Soumya continues to shape conversations around entertainment, lifestyle, and contemporary culture.Read More

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