Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood Star, to Be Honored with Career Award at Locarno Film Festival
Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan is set to receive the Honorary Leopard achievement award at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, in recognition of his illustrious career spanning over 100 films across a diverse array of genres. The festival announced this honor in a press release on Tuesday.
Known affectionately in India as ‘King Khan’, Shah Rukh Khan will be celebrated on August 10 during the festival. A highlight of the event will be the screening of his 2022 romantic drama ‘Devdas’, where Khan portrayed the lead role, followed by an onstage conversation scheduled for August 11.
Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, Giona A. Nazzaro, expressed his excitement, stating, “To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan to Locarno is a dream come true. His contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled.”
Khan’s career-defining film ‘Devdas’ garnered acclaim, receiving a BAFTA nomination and being showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant introduction of mainstream Bollywood to Western audiences.
With breakout roles in iconic films like the romantic thriller ‘Baazigar’ (1993), the beloved ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (1995), and the popular ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ (1998), Shah Rukh Khan has solidified his place as one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actors. His films consistently break box-office records, with his 2023 release ‘Jawan’ surpassing ‘Pathaan’ as the top-grossing Indian film of the year.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Shah Rukh Khan was recognized in the Variety500 list of top global entertainment leaders in 2023. He has also been honored with prestigious awards such as the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Légion d’honneur by the French government, as well as the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Shah Rukh Khan’s influence extends beyond the silver screen, embodying a blend of charisma, versatility, and cultural impact that resonates globally. His upcoming accolade at the Locarno Film Festival further cements his status as a true icon of Indian and international cinema.
