By - Amit kumaR Agarwal
National Awards for films announced yesterday, set the tongues wagging! Not as much for the winners that won awards in various categories, but Shahrukh Khan tying with Vikrant Massey, for the Best Actor Award. Did Sharukh deserve it for Jawan?
Frankly, Shahrukh has given some sterling performances in his career. Post-2000 his performances in Swades, Kal Ho Na Ho, Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express were specifically lauded - but getting an award for Jawan is something not even his most-balanced fans anticipated. Many film-lovers still can't digest it.
Why - because it was a plain average performance at the best. While in the younger role he struggled, in the 'bbuddah' role as 'jawan' he was good, but then he had done number of roles, where he was great! His best acts till date are Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Kal Ho Na Ho - a national award for these - even his harshest critics aver, would have been good; but Jawan?
In 2023, there were many sterling performances, most notable being the spectacular performance by Ranbir Kapoor in Animal. The layered performance, where Ranbir had all the shades, is rated way above than Shahrukh in Jawan.
Did the awards-committee at National Awards committed a folly?
There will be too many debates on it - but the fact is Shahrukh Khan had performed much better in many of his roles in films other than Jawan.
In the end, though, a win is a win - so here's a big cheer to Shahrukh Khan and Vikrant Massey and all the winners of the National Awards.