Locarno, Switzerland — Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was honored with the prestigious Pardo Alla Carriera Award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival on Saturday. The award, presented to Khan for his outstanding contributions to cinema, was celebrated with a heartfelt and humorous speech that quickly went viral.
A Humble and Humorous Speech
Exclusive: Shah Rukh Khan ‘s speech after receiving the Career Achievement Award at 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland . #ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/r3vpsb1N24
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Shah Rukh Khan, known for his charisma both on and off-screen, addressed a crowd of approximately 8,000 people. His acceptance speech began with a touch of humor as he jokingly admitted his struggle with pronouncing the award’s name. “I truly believe cinema has been the most profound and influential artistic medium of our age,” Khan said, adding his trademark wit by referring to the hot weather in Locarno. “So many people stuffed up in a little square and so hot. It’s just like being home in India.”
Reflections on Art and Creativity
In his speech, SRK reflected on the essence of art and creativity. “Art is the act of affirming life above all. It goes beyond every man-made boundary into a space of liberation,” he shared. He emphasized that creativity, love, and joy are intertwined, stating, “There is no creativity without love, which is a language that transcends all languages and is understood by everyone around the world.”
A Personal Touch
Khan also touched upon his diverse roles in cinema, from villains to heroes, and his journey through various emotions. His humor continued as he jokingly renamed the award in his speech: “The Leopard award for being the most awesome in the world, in the history of humility and kindness and goodness.”
Commitment to Fans
Ending his speech on an inspiring note, Khan promised to continue striving for excellence. “Awards like this encourage me to keep on trying to embody all the facets of life, to embody all the emotions, and to try to give that one more take, one more shot, one more emotion, and hopefully a little bit of love, so that all of you feel a little joyful.”
The Locarno Film Festival, renowned for celebrating cinematic excellence, provided a fitting backdrop for SRK’s recognition. The Pardo Alla Carriera Award highlights his significant impact on the film industry, reinforcing his status as one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars.
