Actor Anupam Kher expressed his delight at Shah Rukh Khan winning his first National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan. He noted that Shah Rukh “went unrecognised” for many iconic performances, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and said he should have won for Swades in 2004.
“I’m very happy for him, and personally glad he finally received it after 40 years. You can imagine his disappointment over the years, so it’s wonderful that he’s finally been recognised,” Anupam added.
Anupam Kher said Shah Rukh Khan’s win also reflects recognition of mainstream cinema at the National Awards. “It’s great to see that you don’t need to do a niche film to be honoured. I was thrilled to see Karan Johar, Rani Mukerji, and Shah Rukh Khan together—it was a star-studded National Award this year,” he added.
Anupam has collaborated with Shah Rukh on several films, including ‘Zamaana Deewana’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Mohabbatein’, ‘Veer-Zaara’, and ‘Paheli’.
At the 71st National Film Awards, President Droupadi Murmu honoured Shah Rukh for his performance in Jawan. He shared the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey, recognised for 12th Fail.
