A Record in Waiting: Shah Rukh Khan’s 15th Year of Pursuit to Surpass Dilip Kumar

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

In his three-decade-long acting career, Shah Rukh Khan has carved a distinct identity in Bollywood, performing in 72 Hindi films across diverse genres — from romantic dramas to action thrillers. For his immense contribution to cinema, he has received eight Filmfare Awards for Best Actor out of thirty nominations, standing shoulder to shoulder with the legendary Dilip Kumar, who also holds eight Best Actor Filmfare Awards.

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In 2005, Shah Rukh was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution to Indian cinema. In 2020, he was ranked among the richest actors in the world. Yet, for the past fourteen years, the superstar has been eagerly waiting to win his ninth Best Actor Filmfare Award, a feat that would make him surpass Dilip Kumar’s record. But that wait seems never-ending.

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Although Shah Rukh Khan has won 15 Filmfare trophies in total, including Best Actor (Critics) and Best Debut, only eight of those belong to the Best Actor category.

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His First Filmfare Best Actor Award (1993 – Baazigar)

Shah Rukh Khan’s first Best Actor Filmfare Award came in 1993 for Baazigar, in which he played Ajay Sharma/Vicky Malhotra — a negative role that most leading actors of the time had refused. Directors Abbas–Mustan convinced Shah Rukh to take it up, and the rest is history. The film’s iconic dialogue — “Haar kar jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain” — remains unforgettable even today.

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Second Award (1995 – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)

In 1995, Shah Rukh won his second Best Actor Filmfare Award for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The love story of Raj and Simran redefined romance for an entire generation and earned Shah Rukh the title of “King of Romance.”

Third Award (1997 – Dil To Pagal Hai)

In 1997, Shah Rukh’s role in Dil To Pagal Hai earned him his third Best Actor trophy. Paired opposite Madhuri Dixit and Karishma Kapoor, Shah Rukh delivered a blend of emotion, charm, and dance that mesmerized audiences all over again.

Fourth Award (1998 – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)

A year later, in 1998, he received his fourth Best Actor Filmfare Award for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. As Rahul, Shah Rukh captured the essence of friendship, love, and nostalgia. His chemistry with Kajol became legendary, and the film’s dialogues and songs are still adored by fans worldwide.

Fifth Award (2002 – Devdas)

In 2002, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand and emotional Devdas brought Shah Rukh his fifth Filmfare Best Actor Award. His portrayal of the tragic lover Devdas Mukherjee remains one of the most powerful performances in Indian cinema — intense, poetic, and heartbreaking.

Sixth Award (2004 – Swades)

Two years later, in 2004, Shah Rukh played Mohan Bhargava, a NASA scientist who returns to India, in Swades directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The role showcased his depth and maturity as an actor, emphasizing patriotism and social responsibility.

Seventh Award (2007 – Chak De! India)

In 2007, he won his seventh Best Actor Filmfare Award for Chak De! India, portraying Kabir Khan, the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. The performance not only redefined his on-screen image but also inspired a new wave of national pride.

Eighth Award (2011 – My Name Is Khan)

His eighth Best Actor Filmfare Award came in 2011 for My Name Is Khan. As Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s syndrome, Shah Rukh delivered one of the most emotional performances of his career. The film received global acclaim, resonating with audiences across continents.

Since 2011, however, the superstar has been waiting to hold that golden statuette again. In the meantime, he recently received a National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan, but the ninth Filmfare Award — the one that would set a new record — still eludes him.

Now, all eyes are on whether Shah Rukh Khan will finally surpass Dilip Kumar in his 15th year of waiting, reclaiming his throne as the undisputed King of Bollywood once more.

FAQs

Q1. How many Filmfare Awards has Shah Rukh Khan won so far?

A1. Shah Rukh Khan has won 8 Filmfare Awards as Best Actor so far.

Q2. Shah Rukh Khan's Filmfare Award record is equal to what?

A2. Shah Rukh Khan's record is equal to that of legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who also won 8 Filmfare Best Actor Awards.

Q3. How long has Shah Rukh Khan been waiting for his ninth Filmfare Award?

A3. Shah Rukh Khan has been waiting for his ninth Filmfare Award for the last 14 years to create a new record.

Q4. When did Shah Rukh Khan receive the Padma Shri?

A4. Shah Rukh Khan received the Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 2005 for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Q5. When was Shah Rukh Khan declared the world's richest actor?

A5. In the year 2020, Shah Rukh Khan was considered the richest actor in the world.

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