Shah Rukh Khan steals the show at Locarno Film Festival

Bollywood megastar captivated the crowd with his humour and heartfelt reflections on cinema

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan received a career achievement award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival on Saturday.

Known for his on-screen charisma and wit, Shah Rukh delivered an acceptance speech that combined his love for cinema with his signature humour.

Addressing an 8,000-strong crowd at Locarno’s Piazza Grande, Shah Rukh expressed gratitude for the warm reception.

“Thank you all for welcoming me with such wide arms – wider than the ones I do on screen,” he joked, referencing his iconic pose.

He then praised the festival’s location, drawing laughter as he compared the heat in Locarno to that of his homeland, India.

However, his speech quickly took a more serious tone as he discussed the profound impact of cinema on his life.

He described cinema as the most influential artistic medium of our time, reflecting on the lessons he has learned over his 35-year career.

Emphasising the universal nature of art, He stated that creativity transcends boundaries and languages. “Art is the act of affirming life above all,” he said. “It goes beyond every man-made boundary into a space of liberation.”

Reflecting on his diverse roles, He mentioned how he has portrayed villains, heroes, and lovers, each contributing to his global fame.

His playful side resurfaced when he struggled to pronounce the award's name, humorously renaming it “the Leopard award for being the most awesome in the world.”

Festival director Giona A. Nazzaro highlighted Khan’s contribution to popular cinema, praising his work ethic and the dreams he has inspired worldwide.

The Bollywood megastar concluded his speech with a promise to continue challenging himself as an actor, hoping to bring joy to his audience through his work.