Bollywood’s charismatic ‘King Khan’ illuminated the 77th Locarno Film Festival with his dazzling presence on Saturday, as he was honored with a career achievement award, adding yet another feather to his already well-decorated cap. Shah Rukh Khan, known for his magnetic charm and unparalleled acting prowess, delivered his acceptance speech to an eagerly anticipatory crowd of over 8,000 fans and cinema enthusiasts at Locarno’s iconic Piazza Grande.
Beginning with a trademark nod to his famous cinematic pose, Shah Rukh Khan quipped, “Thank you all for welcoming me with such wide arms—wider than the ones I do on screen.” The audience, delighted by his signature sense of humor and endearing humility, erupted in appreciative applause.
Further enriching the audience’s experience, the festival shared moments from the event on social media. A post featuring King Khan at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, captioned “Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival for our Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism,” accompanied by a photo credited to Davide Padovan, quickly gained traction. The festival’s collaboration with BaseCamp Festival encapsulated the star power that Shah Rukh Khan brought to the event.
Throughout his speech, Shah Rukh Khan charmed the crowd with observations about the festival’s vibrant and scorching setting. “It’s a very beautiful, very cultural, very artistic, and extremely hot city of Locarno,” he remarked, drawing parallels between Locarno’s heat and the crowded streets of India. “So many people stuffed up in a little square and so hot. It’s just like being home in India,” he said, inciting laughter and creating a relatable connection with the audience.
Khan then gracefully transitioned to sharing his philosophical insights on the art of cinema. “I truly believe cinema has been the most profound and influential artistic medium of our age,” he pronounced with conviction. Expanding on the universal appeal of art, he emphasized its ability to bridge cultural divides. “Art is the act of affirming life above all,” he articulated. “It need not be political. It need not be polemical. It need not sermonize.
. It need not intellectualize. It need not moralize.” His reflection on the pure essence of artistic expression received a nod of agreement from those present.
Touching on the indispensability of love in creative endeavors, Shah Rukh Khan’s words resonated deeply with many. “There is no creativity without love, which is a language that transcends all languages and is comprehended by everyone around the world,” he remarked, reinforcing his belief that creativity and joy are intrinsically linked.
In a more light-hearted moment, Shah Rukh played on the challenge of pronouncing the name of his award — the Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism. With a twinkle in his eye, he humorously referred to it as the “Leopard award for being the most awesome in the world, in the history of humility and kindness and goodness,” eliciting chuckles and admiration from the audience.
Acknowledging Shah Rukh Khan’s indelible impact on the world of cinema, festival director Giona A. Nazzaro celebrated the actor’s remarkable journey. “He’s a great artist. He’s been carrying the dreams and the hopes of so many people through his wonderful work ethic and discipline,” Nazzaro noted, encapsulating the sentiment that Khan’s career has inspired millions.
As his speech drew to a close, Shah Rukh reiterated his dedication to the craft of acting. He pledged to continue exploring diverse roles and emotions, promising unwavering commitment and excellence in each performance. The audience’s enthusiastic applause echoed their support and admiration for the beloved actor. Ever the entertainer, Shah Rukh concluded with a cheeky farewell, “Can you keep a shorter name for this award? Just like, ‘arrivederci.’”
Through his speech, Shah Rukh Khan did more than accept an award; he captivated and inspired, reminding everyone of the magic and universality of cinema. The Bollywood superstar’s presence at the Locarno Film Festival was not just a highlight but a testament to his enduring legacy and the global appeal of his work in Hindi cinema.
