Rajkummar Rao won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Srikanth and called Shah Rukh Khan’s praise during the ceremony “magical.” The actor shared his emotional reaction online, celebrating the recognition for portraying visually impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla. The moment marked a career high for Rao and inspired fans nationwide.
Rajkummar Rao, known for his transformative performances, recently shared a deeply personal and emotional moment from the 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025. The actor revealed that receiving praise from none other than Shah Rukh Khan for his role in Srikanth felt “magical” and unforgettable.
Award Night Highlights
- Rajkummar Rao won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor (Male) for his portrayal of Srikanth Bolla, the visually impaired entrepreneur, in Srikanth.
- The award ceremony, held at Ahmedabad’s EKA Arena, was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Maniesh Paul.
- During the event, Shah Rukh Khan personally praised Rao’s performance, a gesture that left the actor overwhelmed with joy.
- Rao shared a video clip from the ceremony on Instagram, capturing the moment his name was announced and his heartfelt reaction.
Emotional Resonance
Rao described the experience as surreal, stating, “Everything felt magical when Shah Rukh Khan praised my performance.” The actor, who has long admired Khan, expressed that such recognition from a cinematic icon made the award even more meaningful. His portrayal in Srikanth has been widely lauded for its sensitivity and depth, capturing the resilience and vision of a real-life changemaker.
Behind The Role
Srikanth tells the inspiring story of Srikanth Bolla, who overcame blindness and systemic barriers to become a successful entrepreneur and advocate for inclusive education. Rao’s nuanced performance brought national attention to Bolla’s journey, earning critical acclaim and audience admiration alike.
Industry Applause
The moment also highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect within the film industry. Shah Rukh Khan’s gesture was seen as a powerful endorsement of Rao’s talent and dedication, reinforcing the importance of storytelling rooted in real-life courage and perseverance.
Sources: The Hans India, Zee News Hindi