In a dazzling celebration of cinema, Shah Rukh Khan, the global icon of Bollywood, was honored with the prestigious Pardo Alla Carriera award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival. The grand ceremony unfolded in the enchanting Piazza Grande, where an enthusiastic crowd of 8,000 gathered to pay tribute to Khan’s remarkable career.
Draped in a sleek black suit, Khan exuded his signature charisma as he took the stage to accept the award. With his usual blend of humor and humility, he began his speech by acknowledging the warm reception. “Thank you all for welcoming me with such wide arms—wider than the ones I do on screen,” he quipped, referencing his famous open-armed pose.
Shah Rukh Khan expressed his admiration for Locarno, describing it as “a very beautiful, very cultural, very artistic, and extremely vibrant city.” He drew a parallel between the festival’s lively atmosphere and the bustling vibrancy of his home country, India.
Throughout his 35-year career, Khan has consistently bridged the gap between commercial success and artistic innovation. From his early roles in classics like ‘Darr’ and ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ to his more recent hits, Khan has redefined Bollywood cinema. His acceptance of the Locarno award underscores his global influence and the profound impact he has had on the art of filmmaking.
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In a light-hearted moment, Khan joked about the award’s name, playfully referring to it as the “Leopard award for being the most awesome in the world, in the history of humility and kindness and goodness.” His wit was met with laughter and applause from the audience.
Khan took the opportunity to reflect on the nature of art and cinema. He described cinema as the “most profound and influential artistic medium of our age” and emphasized that art is about “affirming life.” He argued that art transcends political and moral boundaries, instead offering a space for genuine expression.
As he recounted the variety of characters he has portrayed—from villains to heroes and everything in between—Khan conveyed his deep appreciation for the craft of acting. He also shared a bit of his personal experience in Locarno, humorously noting his improvements in Italian and cooking.
In closing, Khan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the festival and its audience, concluding with a warm “Namaskaar and dhanyawaad” (Hello and thank you) in a touching nod to his Indian roots.
The event was a memorable occasion, captured vividly in images of Khan’s radiant smile and the picturesque setting of Locarno. The festival, with its rich heritage, once again demonstrated its capacity to honor global cinematic achievements with flair, placing Shah Rukh Khan at the heart of a night to remember.