Aamir Khan Becomes First Recipient of the RK Laxman Award for Excellence
Actor Boman Irani presented Aamir Khan with the first RK Laxman Award.
Superstar Aamir Khan has added another milestone to his illustrious career by becoming the first-ever actor to receive the RK Laxman Award for Excellence. Instituted by the family of the legendary cartoonist, the honour celebrates artistic integrity, cultural impact, and the legacy of a man whose iconic “Common Man” remains etched in India’s collective memory.
The ceremony, held at MCA Cricket Stadium in Pune, unfolded as a grand tribute blending music, art, and nostalgia. Boman Irani presented the award to Aamir Khan, marking a moment that brought together two artists admired for their versatility.
Sharing glimpses from the evening, the organisers wrote, “Honouring a legend in the most unforgettable way… Aamir Khan received the first R.K. Laxman Award for Excellence from Boman Irani, as thousands witnessed this special moment.”
The evening also featured a special live concert by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, adding to the night dedicated to Laxman’s unmatched contribution to Indian storytelling.
Often described as a silent chronicler of the nation, RK Laxman created cultural history through “The Common Man”, a character who observed India’s quirks, contradictions, and spirit with irony and compassion. Over the years, Laxman was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore.
In many ways, the award mirrors Khan’s own cinematic journey through films such as Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, PK, Dangal, and his recent Sitaare Zameen Par, which have consistently explored stories rooted in everyday Indian life.
On the work front, Khan was last seen in RS Prasanna’s Sitaare Zameen Par, which marked the debut of several young actors and the return of Genelia Deshmukh to Hindi cinema. He also made a cameo in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, starring Rajinikanth. As a producer, Khan is currently working on Lahore 1947, featuring Sunny Deol. The film is gearing up for a theatrical release next year.