Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has come out in support of superstar Shah Rukh Khan while addressing the controversy surrounding his recent National Award win for the film Jawan.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, Imtiaz Ali told IANS that it was a moment of pride. “No, no. If the country has honoured him, it`s obviously a big thing. I would like to congratulate Shah Rukh Khan and all the people who got this big award. Thank you,” he said, extending his warm wishes to all the recipients."

On August 1, Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film Jawan. The controversy began when South actress Urvashi subtly questioned the merit behind SRK’s National Award win. While she accepted the honour for Best Supporting Actress for Ullozhukku, Urvashi hinted at a lack of fairness in the jury’s decisions.