Under the shimmering lights of the Swiss Alps, the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is poised to witness a momentous celebration—a tribute to a living legend who has defined the essence of Indian cinema for over three decades. As the prestigious Piazza Grande prepares to welcome an icon, fans and cinephiles are excitedly buzzing. This year, the spotlight is on none other than Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as ‘King Khan,’ who will be honoured with the illustrious Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism Award.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Legacy To Be Honoured At Locarno Film Festival
To welcome a living legend like #ShahRukhKhan in Locarno is a dream come true.
The actor and film producer – a true Indian superstar, a symbol of the vitality of Hindi-language cinema – will receive our career achievement award, the Pardo alla Carriera, at #Locarno77. pic.twitter.com/NGxbLbgxTS
— Locarno Film Festival (@FilmFestLocarno) July 2, 2024
At the prestigious film festival, Indian superstar and global icon Shah Rukh Khan is set to be honoured with the festival’s career achievement award, the illustrious Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism. This accolade pays tribute to his extraordinary journey in Indian cinema. His shining career spans over 100 films across a breathtaking array of genres.
Affectionately known in India as ‘King Khan’—the emperor (‘Baadshah’) of Bollywood—Shah Rukh Khan epitomises the vibrancy and vitality of Indian cinema. The actor will receive the award on the evening of Saturday, August 10, in the historic Piazza Grande. To mark this momentous occasion, a screening of one of Khan’s most iconic films, “Devdas” (directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 2002), will take place during the festival. Additionally, Khan will also engage in a public conversation at the Forum @Spazio Cinema on Sunday, August 11. It will certainly offer fans and cinephiles a unique opportunity to hear from the legend himself.
Shah Rukh Khan’s films have captivated audiences worldwide, making him a beloved figure across the globe. His representation of India at numerous prestigious film festivals highlights his significance in global cinema. Over his more than 30-year career, Khan has delivered several groundbreaking performances.
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From ‘Baazigar’ To ‘Jawan’
Khan’s immense fame did not deter him from exploring diverse and challenging roles. Over the decades, Khan collaborated with some of India’s most prominent directors and actors. He also earned international recognition and numerous accolades, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2007 and the Legion d’honneur in 2014 from the French government.
In 2023, Khan’s recent releases—”Pathaan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki”—were not just commercial successes. They also received immense appreciation from global audiences. “Jawan,” produced by Khan’s own production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, became the highest-grossing Hindi film ever. It certainly reaffirmed his status as one of the most beloved Indian stars of his generation.
Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, expressed his admiration, stating, “To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan to Locarno is a dream come true! The wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented. Khan is a king who has never lost touch with the audience that crowned him.”
For all Shah Rukh Khan fans, this honour at the Locarno Film Festival is a testament to his incredible journey.
Cover Image Courtesy: Press Release