Our Bureau
Locarno, Switzerland
In a momentous occasion for Indian cinema, global superstar Shah Rukh Khan was bestowed with the prestigious Pardo Alla Carriera award, the lifetime achievement honor, at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on August 10th, 2024. Khan, the first Indian personality to receive this accolade, graced the scenic Piazza Grande with his inimitable charm and style, leaving the audience in awe.
Dressed impeccably in a black shirt, jacket, and trousers, Khan’s dapper look was a sight to behold, with his long hair adding to his breathtakingly captivating appearance. As he took the stage to thunderous applause, Khan began his acceptance speech with his signature wit and humor, acknowledging the warm welcome he received.
“Thank you all for welcoming me with such wide arms – wider than the ones I do on screen,” he quipped, referencing his famous open-armed pose that has become an iconic symbol of his stardom.
Khan went on to praise the festival’s location, describing Locarno as “a very beautiful, very cultural, very artistic, and extremely hot city.” He added with a grin, “So many people stuffed up in a little square and so hot. It’s just like being home in India.”
He further elaborated on the universal nature of art and filmmaking, saying, “Art is the act of affirming life above all. It goes beyond every man-made boundary into a space of liberation.”
Khan’s win at the Locarno Film Festival is a testament to his enduring legacy as a global icon. With over three decades in the industry, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his versatility, charisma, and unparalleled acting prowess. From his breakout role in “Deewana” to his recent success in films like “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” Khan has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema.
The Locarno Film Festival, renowned for its celebration of global cinema, has previously honored luminaries such as Peter-Christian Fueter, Sergio Castellitto, Víctor Erice, Jane Birkin, and most recently in 2023, Tsai Ming-liang. Khan’s inclusion in this esteemed list is a proud moment for Indian cinema and a testament to his global appeal.
In a fitting tribute to his illustrious career, Khan’s acceptance speech at the Locarno Film Festival has gone viral, with fans and admirers from around the world celebrating his achievement. As he gracefully accepted this honor, Khan’s words resonate with the universal power of art and the shared experience of being human, a testament to his enduring legacy as a true icon of Indian cinema.
