The CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023 took place on January 10. And this year, Shah Rukh Khan was awarded with 'Indian of the Year.' He graced the stage and mentioned that he was holding on to an award in a "long time," and intends to keep it “just for himself."
The actor, who gave only blockbusters in 2023, delivered a 10-minute long heartfelt, comic speech, which encapsulated how 2023 was a different year for him. He did not forget to thank his fans for supporting him and his family during turbulent times over the past few years, as well.
Shah Rukh Khan said, “The last four, five years have been a bit of a ride for me and my family. I am sure some of you also because of Covid and stuff. Most of my films flopped, a lot of specialists and analysts started writing my death-knell, some idiots did the same, which actually is the same thing, analysts and idiots. Not something that I really bother about.” He went on to say, “And then, at a personal level, a little bit of bothersome and unpleasant things also happened to say the least which made me learn a lesson that be quiet, be very quiet and work hard with dignity. When you think everything is good, and still know it in your heart when everything is good, suddenly out of nowhere, whoom, life may come and hit you."
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Mentioning his 'support system', his fans, “I’d like to thank everyone here and people who are watching this on television, hoards of you who came to this year to watch my films, some of you may not have liked them but I know deep down inside, you came there to support me, and my family so I bow down to you and thank you for bringing cheer to my family, my children, my loved ones and I thank you for making me the star I am yet again.”
Coming to his family, he also shared that he is also accepting the award on behalf of his family -- wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan and sons Aryan and AbRam Khan, who he says "deserve a bigger cheer."
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And no Shah Rukh Khan speech is ever complete without his iconic dialogue, "Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost (there's more to the story)" and his famous pose, which he delivered perfectly, earning cheers from audiences.
He also happily said, based on the theme of his award that, "I don't just feel like Indian of the year, I am an Indian of all the ages gone by. I will be the Indian of all the years to come. I am an Indian of all ages," garnering many laughs from the people sitting at the event.
The superstar has had a successful 2023. He made a theatrical comeback with 'Pathaan' and later 'Jawan.' Both films broke records at the box office. Shah Rukh's third release of the year was 'Dunki' which has won hearts of all those who watched it.
He is yet to announce his project line-up for 2024.
