MP Shashi Tharoor sent a warm but quite plain congratulatory message to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan after the actor won Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards. Khan, never one to let a witty opportunity pass, replied with a sarcasm-ridden nod to Tharoor's notoriously high-falutin' vocabulary.
In an X (formerly Twitter) post, Tharoor said, "A National Treasure wins a National Award! Congratulations @iamsrk!"
Khan shot back in kind, having a dig at Tharoor's go-to vocabulary: "Thank u for the plain praise Mr Tharoor. would not have comprehended something more magniloquent and sesquipedalian. ha ha (sic)."
The friendly repartee charmed fans on social media, with a mix of Tharoor's book-learning and Khan's easy-going charm.
Shah Rukh Khan's National Film Award recognition is a high point in his long career spanning decades. With more than 30 years of film career and numerous blockbuster successes to its name, this is Khan's first National Award.
He received the Best Actor award for his performance in Jawan (2023), directed by Atlee, which emerged as one of the biggest hits of the year.
In Jawan, Khan double acts—a father and his son. The action thriller vigilante drama also includes Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi in important roles, with Deepika Padukone delivering a strong cameo as the younger Khan's mother. Azad, a jailer, is the protagonist of the story who heads a group of women prisoners who commit acts of justice to unveil deep-seated corruption in India.
After the announcement of his award, Shah Rukh Khan posted a thank-you video on social media. With his sling-wrapped arm and standing in front of a bookshelf, Khan said he was deeply thankful for the honor.
"To be recognised with the National Award is a moment I will hold dear for a lifetime. Thank you immensely to the jury, the chairman and to the I&B ministry and to all those who felt I deserved this recognition. I would like to thank all my directors and writers, particularly for the year 2023."
He particularly thanked the creative minds working on his recent movies: "So, thank you Raju sir, thank you Saeed and especially thanks to Atlee sir and his team for giving me the opportunity in Jawaan and trusting me to deliver and be worthy of this award."
Khan further elaborated on the award as not just an achievement, but a reminder of purpose. It's a reminder that my work counts. It says to keep running, keep working, keep producing and keep serving cinema. Amidst the din to be heard, to really be heard is a gift. And I vow to use this award not as a finish line but as fuel to strive, to learn and to give life," he said.
Referencing acting as a "duty," Khan emphasized the gravity of the moment in his career.
Shah Rukh Khan is currently shooting for King, his next big one. King has an impressive cast of his daughter Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan.
Rumors indicate Khan hurt his arm while filming, which accounts for the sling he had in his thank-you video. He is currently recuperating while still working on King.
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