Kuala Lumpur - Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, resplendent in a black baju Melayu samping and songkok, yesterday received the state award conferring the 'Datuk' title on him from Malacca state governor Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The 43-year-old actor held the 1,000 or so guests at the investiture spellbound as he received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka, conferred on him and 76 others back in October.

Due to a tight work schedule, Khan, the first foreign actor to receive the award, had been unable to fly in from Mumbai any earlier to receive it.

He arrived at the state hall, the Dewan Seri Negeri, at 10.55am and smiled and waved to fans as he was escorted in.

Afterwards, at a press conference, he thanked the state.

'Thank you to the Malacca government for this prestigious award. I was so honoured to receive this award, which was given by a country that does not even understand my language,' he said.

Khan was given the title because six of his movies were shot on location in the historical state, and have helped to boost tourism there.

The move stirred controversy among Malaysians, with many writing to newspapers saying it was wrong to honour a foreigner when there were many deserving local artists.

Khan brushed aside the criticism at the time, saying he had 'so much love for Malaysia' and that he took his family for vacations there.

Bollywood movies are hugely popular in Malaysia and Khan enjoys a significant following among local Malays and ethnic Indians.

AP, Bernama

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Honoured

'Thank you to the Malacca government for this prestigious award. I was so honoured to receive this award that was given by a country that does not even understand my language.'
SHAH RUKH KHAN, Bollywood actor, on receiving the state award conferring the 'Datuk' title from Malacca's governor yesterday