Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the CNN News18 Indian of the Year 2023 award, delivering a nearly 10-minute speech. On stage, he expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support during challenging moments for him and his family. Addressing his film disappointments over the last four to five years and subtly alluding to a personal crisis, possibly related to Aryan Khan’s arrest in a drug case, Shah Rukh shared reflections on how 2023 held unique significance for him. He conveyed that he accepted the award not for his personal achievement but on behalf of his family—his wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan, and sons Aryan and AbRam Khan, whom he believes ‘deserve a louder applause.’ Additionally, he echoed his renowned dialogue—’picture abhi baaki hai mere dost’ (the story is not over yet) to express his sentiments.
Shah Rukh Khan shared, “The past four to five years have been quite a journey for me and my family, and I’m sure many of you can relate, given the challenges presented by Covid and other factors. A majority of my films didn’t meet expectations, leading various experts and analysts to speculate about my career, alongside some less insightful individuals who did the same—whether by analysis or mere foolishness, it doesn’t really faze me.”
He added, “On a personal note, there were a few unsettling and unpleasant experiences, to say the least. These events taught me the value of maintaining composure, working diligently, and preserving one’s dignity. Just when you believe everything is going well, and you sense it in your heart, suddenly, out of nowhere, life may throw unexpected challenges at you.”
In expressing his gratitude to fans during his speech, he stated, “I extend my thanks to everyone present here and those watching on television. To the multitude of you who attended cinemas this year to watch my films, even if some of you may not have found them to your liking, I understand that deep down, you came to offer support to me and my family. I genuinely appreciate and acknowledge your contributions for bringing joy to my family, my children, my loved ones. Thank you for once again playing a role in making me the star that I am.”
Shah Rukh Khan enjoyed a prosperous 2023, featuring the consecutive release of three films. Making a significant return to the big screen with YRF’s “Pathaan,” he later collaborated with Atlee for “Jawan.” Both movies proved to be blockbusters, shattering records at the box office and securing positions among the highest-grossing films of the year. Shah Rukh’s most recent and third release was Rajkumar Hirani’s “Dunki,” which, despite receiving a mixed response at the ticket window, resonated deeply with many of his fans. As of now, he has not disclosed his next project for 2024.