Why didn't Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan win the National Film Award?
Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, two of the biggest stars in Bollywood, have had illustrious careers and have received numerous accolades, but have not won the National Film Award for Best Actor as of August 2023. Here are a few reasons that might explain this:
Competition
The National Film Awards are highly competitive, with many talented actors in the running each year. The jury often favors performances that are considered more innovative or groundbreaking. Both Shah Rukh and Aamir have faced stiff competition from a range of other compelling performances, which has made it challenging for them to emerge as the winner. For instance, Aamir has worked on critically acclaimed films like 'Dasvidaniya', 'Udaan', and 'Pink', but his performances may not always align with the juries' preferences at the time of the awards.
Film Choices
Both actors predominantly work in commercial cinema, which can sometimes limit their chances of winning the National Film Award because critical acclaim often aligns with unconventional and mature storytelling. Aamir has taken on more unconventional roles in recent years, such as in 'Housefull 3' (which was more commercially oriented), but his films often have a mainstream appeal. This can make it difficult for their performances to be recognized in the same way as those of actors who work on critically acclaimed films with a more discerning audience.
Perception of Work
The National Awards often focus on films that challenge societal norms or showcase strong storytelling. While Shah Rukh and Aamir have delivered powerful performances in films such as 'Dilwale' (2015) and 'Raees' (2017), respectively, the films they chose might not have resonated with the jury in the same way as those of other actors. For instance, 'Raees', while critically appreciated in its genre, might not have the broader appeal needed to secure a National Award for Aamir.
Timing and Trends in Cinema
Awards are often a matter of timing and trends in the film industry. The industry evolves, and certain performances can be overshadowed by others that are considered more groundbreaking or impactful at the time. Shah Rukh and Aamir have both worked on films that might have been more impactful later but didn't align perfectly with the trends when they were released.
Personal Choices
Personal choices also play a significant role in their nominations. Aamir Khan has often been selective about the films he chooses to work on, which can limit his chances for nominations. Shah Rukh, while a versatile actor, has also focused on commercial projects that may not fit the criteria for winning the National Award. This selective approach to work can influence the types of roles he gets nominated for.
Despite not winning the National Film Award, both actors have received numerous other accolades and have a massive fan following, which speaks to their influence and success in the film industry. Their list of awards includes the Padma Shri in 2005, among other honors, and it is clear that their contributions to cinema are still widely recognized and appreciated.
As the film industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan will have the opportunity to win the National Film Award for Best Actor, but their illustrious careers continue to inspire and entertain audiences across the world.