Shah Rukh Khan to receive Honorary Leopard Achievement Award at Locarno Film Festival 2024; Devdas to be screened & actor to attend a panel

The Locarno Film Festival has announced that Shah Rukh Khan will be receiving the prestigious Leopard Achievement Award at the 77th edition of the festival. This honour recognizes Khan's exceptional career and immense contribution to Indian cinema. Khan's influence transcends national borders. He has become a living symbol of Bollywood's vibrancy and the captivating power of Indian films worldwide. The award ceremony will take place on the evening of Saturday, August 10, at Piazza Grande, the heart of the festival.Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, said in a statement, “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. 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.”The festival will also showcase a pivotal film from Khan's illustrious career – Devdas (2002), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This grand love story will be screened during the festival, offering audiences a glimpse into the actor's emotional depth and versatility.Khan's career has spanned over three decades, marked by collaborations with India's most prominent directors and stars. His international recognition is undeniable. The French government acknowledged his contributions to cinema by awarding him the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2007) and the prestigious Légion d'honneur (2014).Beyond the award ceremony, the festival offers fans a unique opportunity to engage with the star. Shah Rukh Khan will participate in a public conversation held at the Forum Spazio Cinema on Sunday, August 11. This is a chance for audiences to gain insights into his journey and connect with the man behind the iconic screen persona.The Pardo alla Carriera Award is a prestigious honour bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of cinema. Khan joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including Francesco Rosi, Claude Goretta, Claudia Cardinale, and Jane Birkin.The Locarno Film Festival takes place from August 7th to 17th, 2024. Held amidst the breathtaking scenery of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, the festival offers a unique cinematic experience.ALSO READ: Indra Kumar recalls underestimating Shah Rukh Khan during dull phase: “People had written him off, he had to ...