Shah Rukh Khan’s National Film Award win for Best Actor in Jawan has triggered celebration among his admirers and sparked a debate among film circles. Social media platforms were filled with congratulatory posts, but some critics argued that Manoj Bajpayee’s powerful act in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai was more worthy of the honour.
Manoj responds to the comparisons
Addressing the ongoing chatter, Manoj brushed aside the criticism over the jury’s choice. In a conversation with India Today, he remarked, “It is a useless conversation because it is gone. When it comes to Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, yes, it is a very special film in my filmography, and so was Joram. But I don’t discuss these things because it is a very loser conversation. It is in the past, and it should be left alone.”
A four-time National Award recipient, Manoj also shared his concerns about how the landscape of awards has changed over the years. He hinted that even the National Awards risk drifting away from their original artistic purpose in favour of commercial considerations.
He explained, “It’s not just about National Awards. It’s about all the awards that were revered. They should seriously think about how they are operating. Because it is not about my respect. I take care of my respect very cautiously when I’m choosing a film. But each and every organisation has to think of itself. That’s not my job. I think for me, the idea of an award show is wrong. It is just a piece of decoration in your house. Every day, you’re not going to stand in front of it and say, ‘Wow, I got this’.”
Awards journey
For Shah Rukh Khan, this year’s recognition is historic. Jawan brought him his first National Award, cementing his evolution into roles that balance blockbuster appeal with emotional intensity. Manoj Bajpayee, meanwhile, has long been familiar with the stage, having collected National Awards for Satya, Pinjar, Aligarh, and Bhonsle.
