Taunted as 'Not Hero Material', Shah Rukh Khan Wins First National Award After 33 Years, Becomes a ₹7500 Cr Icon

Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from Delhi to the pinnacle of Indian cinema is nothing short of legendary. Once rejected for not being “hero material,” the actor turned those taunts into motivation, building a career that would redefine stardom—and now, finally, earn him his first National Award after a 33-year wait.

The self-made superstar, who began with modest TV roles in the early '90s, broke Bollywood norms with his unique style, intense dialogue delivery, and unshakable perseverance. Despite changing the face of Indian cinema and amassing a reported empire worth over ₹7500 crore, the National Award had long eluded him—until now.

SRK was honored for his powerful performance in Jawan (2023), a film that showcased his range and depth as an actor. Sharing his gratitude on social media, Khan tweeted:
"Thank you for honoring me with the National Award… Overwhelmed with the love showered upon me. Half a hug to everyone today."

This recognition is more than an award—it’s a victory of passion, persistence, and believing in oneself even when the world doesn’t. For his fans, it’s a moment of vindication, and for his critics, a reminder that true greatness may take time, but it always arrives.