Shah Rukh Khan wins his 1st National Award: 5 life lessons to learn from the King of Bollywood

Mint

5 days ago

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. For over 30 years, he has entertained millions of people around the world with his acting, charm, and dedication to his work. He's been called the 'King of Bollywood,' has won dozens of popular awards, and starred in many iconic films. But in 2025, something special happened — he won his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor, for his performance in Jawan.
His journey to this honour has not been easy. It's been filled with ups and downs, hits and flops, love and loss. Yet through it all, SRK has remained strong, humble, and passionate.
Here are five life lessons we can learn from his incredible path to this moment.
Even though Shah Rukh Khan became a superstar very early in his career, it took him more than three decades to win a National Award. This teaches us that even if you are doing well, some achievements may take longer than expected. What matters is that you keep going, keep believing, and never give up. Success doesn't always come when you want it — it comes when the time is right.
SRK started his career by playing villains, then became the ultimate romantic hero in the '90s and 2000s. Later, he took on more complex and action-filled roles like in Pathaan and Jawan. He has always tried something new and changed with the times. His journey shows that to stay relevant and grow in life, we need to be open to learning, changing, and trying different things — even if they scare us a little.
There have been times when SRK faced failures at the box office, criticism from the public, and even personal heartbreak. But he never gave up or lashed out. He stayed quiet, focused on his work, and came back stronger. Life will not always be perfect, but how we deal with the hard times says a lot about who we are. SRK shows us that calm strength is more powerful than loud noise.
Even after receiving one of the highest honours in Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan kept his message simple and sweet. He said, 'Overwhelmed with the love showered upon me. Half a hug to everyone today (sic).'
He didn't brag or make a big speech. He just shared his love and gratitude. This reminds us that no matter how far we go in life, it's important to stay grounded and thankful.
From the start of his career until now, Shah Rukh Khan's love for cinema has never faded. He puts his heart into every role and truly enjoys the process of filmmaking. He often says that acting and storytelling are like breathing for him — something he can't live without. His journey proves that if you are truly passionate about something, and you keep working hard at it, success will follow — even if it takes time.
Shah Rukh Khan's journey to his first National Award is more than just a career milestone — it's an inspiring story of patience, growth, and passion. Whether you're a fan or not, there's something we can all learn from the way he has carried himself over the years. Keep going, stay humble, love what you do, and trust the journey — just like SRK.