Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made a triumphant return to the big screen in 2023 after a four-year hiatus, and his comeback has been nothing short of spectacular. The actor recently won the best actor award at the International Indian Film Academy Awards, and he couldn’t contain his joy as he addressed his adoring fans in Abu Dhabi.
“I think I have a little happiness from the audience this year because I worked (again) after a long time,” Khan declared to the star-studded crowd. The actor, who is a household name in India and has millions of fans both domestically and abroad, not only won the best actor award for his role in the action thriller Jawan but also co-hosted the event in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Fireworks greeted Khan’s arrival on stage, and the entire event was filled with tributes to the beloved actor. “I love awards, I’m greedy about awards,” Khan announced. “I just want to tell you it’s good to be back.”
Khan’s return to the big screen was a major success story in Bollywood last year, with his roles in Jawan and the spy film Pathaan showcasing a new side of the actor as a rugged action hero. This marked a departure from his usual romantic hero roles that he has been known for over his three-decade-long career.
Despite facing personal and professional setbacks, including his son’s arrest on false drug charges and a string of unsuccessful films, Khan’s popularity remains unwavering. Known as Bollywood’s “most important cultural export,” fans endearingly refer to him as King Khan or the King of Bollywood.
The IIFA Awards also saw other Bollywood megastars in attendance, with Rani Mukerji winning the best actress award for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway and Vidhu Vinod Chopra winning best director for 12th Fail. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal took home six awards, including best picture and best supporting actor for Anil Kapoor.
Bollywood, India’s dominant film industry, has faced challenges due to the pandemic and a lack of new releases this year. However, the success of Khan’s comeback in 2023 has brought a glimmer of hope to the industry and its fans. The event in Abu Dhabi, which is running over three days this year, also honored renowned filmmaker Karan Johar for his 25 years in cinema as he co-hosted the ceremony alongside Khan.
