Shah Rukh Khan to be honoured with career achievement award at Locarno Film Festival

Shah Rukh Khan is set to be honoured with a career achievement award, Pardo alla Carriera, at the upcoming Locarno Film Festival for his contribution to the world of cinema in the last three decades. SRK will accept the award at the festival's Piazza Grande on August 10. The award will be handed over after a special screening of the 2002 film Devdas. There will also be a special chat session with the audience after the screening and SRK's fans will get a chance to speak to the superstar.

Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Devdas received several awards in India and also secured a BAFTA nomination at the time. The film, starring Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, Kirron Kher, Smita Jaykar, and Vijayendra Ghatge, revolves around Devdas Mukherjee (played by SRK) who struggles with alcoholism after his family opposes his wedding to his childhood love Parvati "Paro" (played by Aishwarya).

According to Deadline, Locarno’s Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro said, “To welcome a living legend like Shah Rukh Khan in Locarno is a dream come true. 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.”

To welcome a living legend like #ShahRukhKhan in Locarno is a dream come true.

The actor and film producer – a true Indian superstar, a symbol of the vitality of Hindi-language cinema – will receive our career achievement award, the Pardo alla Carriera, at #Locarno77. pic.twitter.com/NGxbLbgxTS

— Locarno Film Festival (@FilmFestLocarno) July 2, 2024

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Nazzaro further praised Khan for his willingness to challenge norms while resonating deeply with global audiences. “This brave and daring artist has always been willing to challenge himself while remaining true to what his fans all over the world eagerly expect from his films. A true ‘people’s hero,’ sophisticated and down to earth, Shah Rukh Khan is a legend of our times,” he added in a statement.

Pardo alla Carriera's previous winners include Peter-Christian Fueter, Sergio Castellitto, Víctor Erice, Jane Birkin, Dante Spinotti, Francesco Rosi, Bruno Ganz, Claudia Cardinale, Johnnie To, Harry Belafonte, Costa-Gavras, and, most recently in 2023, Tsai Ming-liang.

The Locarno Film Festival, renowned for its celebration of global cinema, will take place from August 7 to 17.