In the vibrant world of Bollywood, where stellar performances often spark heated discussions, the 2005 National Film Awards remain a topic of contention. Shah Rukh Khan, a cinematic icon, recently reignited this debate when an old video resurfaced, showing him humorously claiming he deserved the Best Actor award for his role in Swades over Saif Ali Khan, who won for Hum Tum. This moment has stirred fans and critics alike, prompting a closer look at the performances, the controversy, and its lasting impact.

In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan delivered a career-defining performance as Mohan Bhargava in Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Playing a NASA engineer who returns to India to rediscover his roots, Khan showcased a nuanced, heartfelt portrayal that broke away from his romantic hero persona. The film’s socially relevant themes and Khan’s grounded acting earned widespread acclaim, with many considering it one of his finest works. Fans argue that this role, rich in emotional depth and cultural resonance, was a strong contender for the National Award, making the snub particularly surprising.

Contrastingly, Saif Ali Khan clinched the Best Actor award for his role in Hum Tum, a lighthearted romantic comedy directed by Kunal Kohli. Saif’s charming and effortless performance as a carefree cartoonist resonated with audiences, and the jury, led by filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, praised his “ease of performance.” However, the decision sparked controversy, with many questioning whether a romantic comedy could outshine the gravitas of Swades. The fact that Saif’s mother, Sharmila Tagore, was the CBFC chairperson at the time fueled speculation of bias, though Saif later clarified that his mother had no influence over the jury’s decision.

In a viral throwback video from a late-2000s Tag Heuer event, Shah Rukh, standing alongside Kunal Kohli, cheekily remarked, “I think Hum Tum was very nice. His actor won the National Award when I think I should have got it, but that’s another story.” His lighthearted jab, followed by laughter, highlighted his confidence in Swades. Fans on social media echoed his sentiment, with many expressing disbelief that Hum Tum was deemed award-worthy over Swades. Some pointed to jury member TS Nagabharana’s alleged critique of Swades as a factor in Shah Rukh’s loss, adding fuel to the debate.

The controversy resurfaced in 2025 when Shah Rukh Khan finally won his first National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan, ending a 33-year wait. Announced by Ashutosh Gowariker, this victory felt like poetic justice for fans who believed Swades was unjustly overlooked. While Jawan showcased Khan’s versatility in a commercial blockbuster, many still argue that his earlier, content-driven roles like Swades deserved recognition sooner.

The Swades vs. Hum Tum debate underscores the subjective nature of awards and the passion of Bollywood fans. While Saif’s win was celebrated, Shah Rukh’s introspective performance in Swades continues to resonate, cementing its place as a cinematic gem. This controversy reminds us that art, while subjective, has the power to spark conversations that endure for decades.

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!