Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to be honored with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera award at the Locarno Film Festival. The award, which celebrates a remarkable career in Indian cinema, will be presented to Khan on August 10 at the open-air venue Piazza Grande.
In addition to receiving the award, one of Khan’s most celebrated films, “Devdas,” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will be screened during the festival. The following day, on August 11, Shah Rukh Khan will appear at the Forum @Spazio Cinema for a conversation, offering fans and cinema enthusiasts a chance to engage with the iconic actor.
Giona A. Nazzaro, the Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, expressed his excitement in a statement: “To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan in Locarno is a dream come true! The wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented. Khan is a king who has never lost touch with the audience that crowned him. This brave and daring artist has always been willing to challenge himself while remaining true to what his fans all over the world eagerly expect from his films. A true ‘people’s hero’, sophisticated and down to earth, Shah Rukh Khan is a legend of our times.”
The Pardo alla Carriera award has previously been bestowed upon notable figures such as Tsai Ming-liang, Claudia Cardinale, Johnnie To, Francesco Rosi, Harry Belafonte, and Jane Birkin, highlighting its significance in recognizing cinematic excellence.
Shah Rukh Khan had a remarkable year in 2023, marking his return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus. He delivered three consecutive blockbusters: “Pathaan,” directed by Siddharth Anand under the Yash Raj Films banner; “Jawan,” directed by Atlee; and “Dunki,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani. Each film set new records at the box office, reaffirming Khan’s status as one of the most bankable and beloved stars in Indian cinema.
Khan’s upcoming recognition at the Locarno Film Festival is a testament to his enduring impact on global cinema and his unwavering connection with audiences worldwide.
