Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
Bollywood’s beloved Shah Rukh Khan was conferred the prestigious Indian of the Year 2023 award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema, marked by blockbusters like “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” as well as the success of “Dunki.” During a poignant 10-minute acceptance speech in New Delhi, Khan shared insights into his recent years, acknowledging both triumphs and challenges.
Reflecting on the tough times faced by his family, seemingly alluding to the Aryan Khan case, Khan emphasized his identity as an Indian and conveyed resilience and positivity. The actor, known for his nuanced and eloquent speeches, encapsulated the highs and lows of the past few years, showcasing his enduring commitment to his craft and the unwavering support of his fans.
“The last four, five years have been a bit of a ride for me and my family. I am sure some of you know because of COVID and stuff. Most of my films flopped, and a lot of specialists and analysts started writing my death knell, some idiots did the same, which is the same thing, analysts and idiots. Not something that I really bother about,” said Shah Rukh Khan, as reported by News18.
Sharing personal insights, Khan noted, “And then, at a personal level, a little bit of bothersome and unpleasant things also happened to say the least which made me learn a lesson that be quiet, be very quiet and work hard with dignity.”
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of life, Khan continued, “When you think everything is good, and still know it in your heart when everything is good, suddenly out of nowhere, whoom, life may come and hit you. But this is a time you need to be the hopeful, happy, honest storyteller, and continue doing whatever you are doing and kind of think this is a nasty plot twist, this is not the story you are living.”
Expressing gratitude for the Indian of the Year award, Khan conveyed a message of optimism and perseverance. “Some years back, when I used to get awards, I decided that every award I get, I take it as a gift for one of my kids. It will bring cheer to their lives. I truly believe in the last four-five years that my family has seen, my children have seen, my wife has seen, I think nobody deserves a bigger cheer right now than them. So I am taking this award back home for them.”
In his closing words, Khan graciously recognized his devoted fans and followers, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support that transformed his recent films into unprecedented box office hits. Despite acknowledging that some may not have resonated with the films, he humbly expressed gratitude for their presence, a gesture of solidarity during the challenging years his family had endured.
