The 71st National Film Awards have stirred a mix of celebration and reflection within the Indian film industry, particularly for recognizing Shah Rukh Khan with his first Best Actor National Award for his performance in "Jawan". This win arrives after a career spanning over three decades, a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by Ashutosh Gowariker, director of the critically acclaimed film "Swades" starring Khan.

Gowariker, who served as the chairperson of the Feature Film Jury for the 71st National Awards, expressed his amazement at Khan's win. He highlighted the historic nature of the award, especially considering Khan's long and successful career. Gowariker noted that Khan, one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, received the award in a year where he had three film releases.

Interestingly, the jury chose to award Khan for "Jawan" over his other releases in the same year, "Pathaan" and "Dunki". Gowariker explained that the decision was unanimous, with "Jawan" appealing most to the jury. He lauded Khan's performance in "Jawan," where he played a double role as an Indian Army officer Vikram Rathore and his son Azaad, praising his ability to balance raw intensity with emotional depth. Gowariker stated that Khan brought to life a hero who fights not just the enemy but also societal boundaries, creating two unforgettable cinematic personas.

The win is particularly poignant when considering the reception of "Swades" back in 2004. Despite being critically acclaimed and featuring a strong performance from Khan, "Swades" was a commercial failure at the box office. The film, which tells the story of an NRI project manager at NASA who returns to India to address the challenges faced by its rural communities, did not receive any National Award at that time, a fact that has been noted by observers in light of Khan's recent win. Saif Ali Khan won the Best Actor National Award in 2004 for "Hum Tum".

However, "Swades" has gained a cult status over the years. Gowariker received nominations for Best Film and Best Director at the Filmfare Awards for Swades. The film is remembered for its strong narrative, social commentary, and Khan's portrayal of a man reconnecting with his roots.

Shah Rukh Khan shared the Best Actor award with Vikrant Massey, who was recognized for his performance in "12th Fail". Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her performance in "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway". Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "12th Fail" was named Best Feature Film, while Sudipto Sen won Best Director for "The Kerala Story".

Massey expressed his gratitude for the award, calling it a dream come true and a privilege to share his first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan. Mukerji dedicated her award to mothers, emphasizing a mother's love and ferocity to protect her own.

The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated the best of Indian cinema but also marked a significant milestone in Shah Rukh Khan's illustrious career. Ashutosh Gowariker's presence as the jury head added another layer of significance, bringing attention to Khan's journey and his impactful performances over the years.