Shahrukh Khan says he is thankful to Malaysia

Shahrukh Khan says he is thankful to Malaysia for choosing him for the title of ‘Datuk’ which is Malaysian equivalent to British Knighthood.

The Bollywood superstar is being honoured for making the Malaysian city Malacca popular worldwide by shooting a couple of his films there. Even as a controversy rages on in Malaysia over SRK’s selection for the award, the superstar has thanked the Malaysian authorities and people for the honour.

Speaking to the Malaysian daily, The Star, in a telephonic interview, SRK said: "After I heard about the award, I have not stopped telling everyone around the world - in the US, Britain and South Africa - that I have been knighted...I would like to thank the Malaysian government, my friends, fans and the Malaysians who have showed me so much love."

The mega star said he first came to know about the award when he arrived in Singapore in the first week of November for the Zee Carnival.

"I saw it in the papers at the airport and was so surprised. I asked my friend who picked me up and he told me it’s a prestigious award, akin to the British knighthood," Shahrukh is quoted to have said.

SRK added that he loves Malaysia and its people.

"I have so much love for Malaysia. I shoot my movies there, take my family for holidays and visit my friends. This special honour is such a humbling experience," the superstar said.

At the award ceremony, SRK would don the traditional Malaysian costume - official black baju Melayu, samping and songkok.