Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed to fans that “it’s good to be back” after winning the Best Actor award at the International Indian Film Academy Awards. The actor was referring to his return to the silver screen in 2023 following a four-year hiatus.
Addressing the audience at a star-studded event in Abu Dhabi, Khan said, “I think I’ve received a bit of happiness from the audience this year because I worked again after such a long break.” Known as a household name in India and one of the country’s most beloved stars, Khan enjoys a massive fanbase both domestically and internationally. His return to cinema in 2023 was one of Bollywood’s biggest success stories, highlighted by his role in the spy thriller Pathaan.
Khan’s portrayal of a rugged action hero marked a significant shift from his three-decade-long career, during which he became famous for playing tender, romantic characters. His comeback follows a series of personal and professional challenges, including his son Aryan Khan’s wrongful arrest on drug charges, which were later dropped, and a string of underperforming films.
Despite his time away from the limelight, Khan’s popularity remains intact. Known for his charm and humour, he is often described as Bollywood’s “most important cultural export” and is fondly referred to as “King Khan” or the “King of Bollywood” by millions of fans.
The awards ceremony also featured other Bollywood stars like Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol. Mukerji won Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, while Vidhu Vinod Chopra was named Best Director for 12th Fail. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal swept up six awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Anil Kapoor.
Bollywood, India’s leading film industry, produces hundreds of films annually and enjoys a global fanbase. However, it has faced challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, with theatres closing and audiences turning to streaming services. The industry is still recovering, with 2024 proving to be a difficult year due to a shortage of strong new releases. In contrast, 2023 was a standout year, largely thanks to Khan’s triumphant return.
This was the third time Abu Dhabi hosted the event, which spanned three days. Karan Johar co-hosted the ceremony with Khan, celebrating his own milestone of 25 years in cinema with a special award. Khan, who not only won for his role in Jawan but also co-hosted the event in the UAE’s capital, was greeted with fireworks and numerous tributes throughout the night. “I love awards; I’m greedy for awards,” Khan said, adding, “I just want to say it’s good to be back.”