Shah Rukh Khan finally received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘ Jawan ’, ending a 33-year wait. Known as one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema, Shah Rukh had delivered several praised performances over the years. But despite his immense popularity and acting range, the National Award had always stayed just out of reach.
Fans and critics have often said that Shah Rukh should have won the honour back in 2004 for his role in ‘ Swades ’. However, the award that year went to Saif Ali Khan for his work in the romantic comedy ‘Hum Tum’. Years later, a video that resurfaced on reddit showed Shah Rukh himself addressing it.
Shah Rukh Khan addressed the snubIn a video from a past event, Shah Rukh was on stage with director Kunal Kohli and anchor Mandira Bedi. Kunal asked him about his favourite films, and Shah Rukh answered in his usual witty and kind-hearted way.
He said,"See, main dil ka bahut acha hoon. Saari filmein achi lagti hain, saare hero ache lagte hain, saari heroine achi lagti hain, har cheez achi lagti hai (I am good by heart. I like all films, all heroes, and all heroines). I am a simple-minded person; I like everything, including your films. I have loved them all."

Khan praised Kohli’s films during the chat Shah Rukh then complimented Kunal Kohli’s work, especially ‘Fanaa’ and ‘Hum Tum’. But while talking about the latter, he gave a cheeky nod to the past National Awards outcome. He said, "Fanaa was very good. I think Hum Tum was very nice. His actor won the National Award for Hum Tum when I think I should have got it, but that's another story."

Shah Rukh’s performance in ‘Swades’ stood outIn 2004, Shah Rukh played the role of Mohan Bhargava in ‘Swades’, a NASA engineer who returns to India and rediscovers his roots. The film received praise for its storytelling and Shah Rukh’s grounded performance.
The long wait ended with ‘Jawan’ winIn 2025, Shah Rukh finally won his first National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Jawan’.