In a momentous night at the 13th edition of CNN-News18 awards, Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan was bestowed with the prestigious ‘Indian of the Year’ title, marking a crowning achievement in his remarkable career.
Following this triumph, the versatile star delivered a heartfelt speech, offering insights into the challenges faced by him and his family over the last 4-5 years.
Addressing the audience, SRK candidly shared the rollercoaster journey he and his family have experienced, emphasizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the struggles in his professional sphere, notably marked by the underperformance of some of his films. Reflecting on the critical reception, Shah Rukh Khan humorously likened analysts predicting his downfall to “idiots.”
Delving into more personal territory, the actor alluded to “bothersome and unpleasant things” that transpired, notably referencing his son Aryan Khan’s arrest in 2021. While Aryan was later cleared of charges related to the Cordelia cruise drugs bust, Khan’s somber reflections indicated the lingering pain of the episode.
Dispensing invaluable wisdom gained from these challenges, Khan urged resilience: “Be quiet, be very quiet, and work hard with dignity. When you think everything is good, suddenly out of nowhere, life will come and hit you.” King Khan emphasized the importance of being a hopeful, honest storyteller during difficult times, concluding with a quote from his film Om Shanti Om, signaling that the story continues.
Expressing gratitude for the success of his recent films, Pathaan and Jawan, SRK recognized the unprecedented achievements at the box office in 2023. He thanked the audience for their unwavering support, especially acknowledging those who turned up in large numbers to watch his films, even if they didn’t resonate with everyone.
Accepting the ‘Indian of the Year’ award, Khan shared his sentiments on patriotism, contemplating the accolade and connecting it to his roles in patriotic films like Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. Despite his prolific year in cinema, Shah Rukh Khan has maintained a low profile, engaging with fans through social media.
In his characteristic charm, SRK expressed, “I don’t just feel like the Indian of the year. I feel I have been the Indian for all the years gone by. And I will be the Indian for all the years to come. I am actually, ladies and gentlemen, the Indian for all ages.” He credited his fans for rejuvenating his stardom and making him the star he is once again.
As Shah Rukh continues to bask in the success of his triumphant comeback, he hinted at a more age-realistic role in his next film. True to his commitment to positive roles, Khan declared, “I am a guy who is hopeful and tells happy stories.” Taking a subtle jab at films glorifying negativity, he emphasized the importance of goodness and concluded, “I should play honest roles that give people the courage to dream.”
Shah Rukh Khan remains the beacon of hope and happiness in the world of cinema, promising to continue crafting narratives that inspire and uplift. Check out the full speech here:
