Overview
- Bajpayee called fan comparisons with Shah Rukh Khan over Best Actor a "loser conversation" and said the matter should be left in the past.
- He argued that awards are losing respect and often favor commercial cinema, adding that trophies are "just a piece of decoration."
- The actor said he attends ceremonies out of courtesy but does not expect recognition for his work or measure his craft by prizes.
- Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Jawan, sharing Best Actor with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail, a result announced on August 1.
- With debate continuing online, the National Film Awards ceremony is set for September 23 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, and Bajpayee also expressed admiration for Khan’s stardom.