Divya Dutta reacts to Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award win; says her 2017 honour proved to be a double-edged sword: ‘There were instances where I…’

Divya Dutta, who previously worked with Shah Rukh Khan in movies like Veer-Zaara, recently reacted to his first National Award win and expressed her enduring affection for him.

Divya Dutta on Shah Rukh Khan winning the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan. (Credit: Facebook/@srkuniverse)

Although Shah Rukh Khan finally winning the National Film Award for Best Actor for the first time in his 33-year movie career brought much joy to many — particularly his near and dear ones, as well as his ardent fans — the news also left many disappointed. Among the controversies sparked by the announcement of the National Film Awards 2025 winners, one arose from Shah Rukh Khan winning the top honour for an out-and-out star vehicle like director Atlee Kumar’s Jawan (2023). While many claimed that the win was undeserving, with some fans even pointing out that awarding him for Jawan was disrespectful since his far better performances in movies like Swades (2004) went unnoticed, those in support have largely dismissed such comments. They are currently celebrating what they believe is Bollywood’s Baadshah finally getting due credit.

Renowned actor Divya Dutta, who previously worked with SRK in movies like Veer-Zaara, recently reacted to the Bollywood superstar’s maiden National Award win and expressed her enduring affection for him. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, she said, “I keep my love for him intact and absolutely adore the man. I’m so, so happy for him. I think he was amazing in Jawan. I’m super happy about the fact that he’s got his first national award.”

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A National Award-winner herself, Divya bagged the honour for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in director Aparnaa Singh’s Irada (2017). When asked if winning the award had a lasting impact on her career and artistic process, or if it’s simply a fond memory now, she was quick to state that it was much more than that. “It’s not just a fond memory. Firstly, it’s such a huge honour. Secondly, of course, the public perception of you changes, and even among industry insiders, it does,” she pointed out.

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Divya further explained that filmmakers began to consider her status as a National Award-winning actor when approaching her for roles, which prevented her from being relegated to meaningless parts. “They take you a tad bit more seriously (after such wins). I’m not saying that they weren’t taking me seriously, but it’s definitely a feather in the cap that you’ll always be proud of.”

Watch SCREEN’s exclusive interview with Divya Dutta here:

When further discussing the implications of being a “National Award-winning actor”, Divya acknowledged that it can sometimes be a double-edged sword. “There have been instances where I encountered talented new directors who wanted to approach me for roles, but ultimately decided against it (because I’m a National Award-winning actor). I was like, ‘You didn’t have to think, you just had to come.’ If something is very simple and easy, we don’t digest it actually. We feel only complicated and challenging things are real,” she added.

Renowned for her performances in movies like Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Delhi-6, Heroine, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Badlapur, Divya Dutta recently made her Telugu debut in a key role in Mayasabha, the political drama streaming series created by Deva Katta.

Anandu Suresh

Anandu Suresh is a Deputy Copy Editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at anandu.suresh@indianexpress.com. ... Read More

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