Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has finally clinched his first-ever National Film Award, winning Best Actor for his dual-role performance in the blockbuster film ‘Jawan’ at the recently announced 71st National Film Awards. As congratulatory messages pour in from all corners of the industry and across social media, fans are taking note of a special wish from one of his oldest friends, who shared a heartfelt note celebrating the actor’s long-overdue recognition.Let’s check out what SRK’s friend posted after his National Award win.
Shah Rukh Khan reacts to an old friend’s message after the former’s National Film Award win
Viveck Vaswani, SRK’s friend, shared an old picture of the actor looking at him and smiling. He captioned the picture, “Congratulations @iamsrk on the National Award! Very late but very, very deserving!”Soon, Shah Rukh Khan replied to his friend and wrote, “Thank u for the wishes. All started with you. Raju finally ban gaya gentleman.”
Don’t know the reference? Read more
For those who are unaware, Khan and Viveck featured in the film ‘Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,’ which was released in 1992. The actor played the role of Raj (Raju) Mathur, while his friend essayed the character of Lovechand Kukreja. The film was helmed by Aziz Mirza and also starred Amrita Singh, Juhi Chawla, and Nana Patekar.
More details about Shah Rukh Khan and Viveck’s friendship
According to the Hindustan Times, when Shah Rukh Khan arrived in Mumbai for the first time, it was Viveck who helped him. Reportedly, the actor even stayed at the latter’s house. Not just ‘Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,’ the duo also featured in ‘English Babu Desi Mem,’ ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa,’ and ‘King Uncle.’
Viveck on his bond with SRK
In 2024, Viveck opened up about the bond he shares with the superstar. In an interview with Siddarth Kannan, he said, “SRK has 17 phones, and I have one number. I called him after ‘Jawan,’ but he didn’t pick up.” Vaswani further stated that when he was in the shower, Khan called him back, but he couldn’t answer it. “He runs an empire, so I am okay.”He added that they don’t have a relationship or talk or meet often, but when they do, “it’s as if the years were not there.”Viveck Vaswani shared that he is not a subordinate to the actor. He revealed that he is working as a teacher and a dean of a school. He said, “I work 18 hours a day. I travel by bus and local train, and Shah Rukh is a superstar.”Again, last year when Viveck wished the actor on X, the latter replied, “Thanks, my friend…and convincer of making me join the industry. Love u and a big hug. Keep making people happy.”
SRK’s projects
Shah Rukh Khan will next feature in the film titled ‘King’ with daughter Suhana Khan. The action flick is slated to hit theatres in the latter part of 2026.
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