Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is currently gracing the scenic town of Locarno, Switzerland, as he attends the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. This year’s event has been marked by a significant accolade for Khan, who just received the esteemed Pardo Alla Carriera Award. This honor is a testament to his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. The Bollywood superstar was honored with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera, or Career Leopard, at the 77th Locarno Film Festival on August 10, becoming the first Indian personality to receive this lifetime achievement award.
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Dressed in a sleek black blazer and trousers, Khan captivated the audience with his charm and humor. During his acceptance speech, he humorously struggled to pronounce the award’s name but engaged the crowd with reflections on his 35-year career and promised to continue pushing his limits. He said, “Thank you all for welcoming me with such wide arms – wider than the ones I do on screen.” The Locarno Film Festival, a prestigious institution in the world of film since its inception in 1946, is renowned for its celebration of auteur cinema. Accordingly, the 77th edition of the film festival is showcasing 225 films, including 104 world premieres and 15 debut movies, reflecting its commitment to diverse and innovative storytelling. The festival also featured a screening of his 2002 film Devdas in his honor.
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Shah Rukh Khan’s arrival in Locarno was met with much anticipation. The festival’s official Instagram handle offered a glimpse of the actor as he checked into Switzerland, elegantly attired in a sleek black blazer and trousers, complemented by a stylish wristwatch and pendant necklace. The accompanying caption celebrated Khan’s arrival and his forthcoming acceptance of the Pardo Alla Carriera Award. The caption read, “Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) has arrived at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival to accept the Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism. As soon as he arrived, Pardo sat down with Shah Rukh Khan for a unique photoshoot.”
Additionally, Giona A. Nazzaro, the artistic director of the festival, expressed admiration for Khan’s extensive impact on Indian cinema. In a statement to the media, Nazzaro praised the actor’s unparalleled contribution, stating, “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. This brave and daring artist has always been willing to challenge himself.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s recent work has reaffirmed his status as a leading figure in Bollywood. His 2023 filmography includes the blockbuster hit Pathaan, where he starred alongside Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, and the critically acclaimed Jawan, directed by Atlee and featuring an ensemble cast including Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. Additionally, he rounded off the year with Dunki, a film by Rajkumar Hirani co-starring Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal.
Concerning future projects, Khan is set to appear in the highly anticipated film King. A recent viral clip of him congratulating Santosh Sivan for receiving the Pierre Angenieux Excel Lens Award at the Cannes Film Festival featured a script for King prominently placed on the table beside him, sparking excitement among fans. As Shah Rukh Khan took the stage at the Locarno Film Festival to receive the Pardo Alla Carriera Award, his enduring influence on cinema and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide were once again celebrated on a global stage.
