Shah Rukh Khan to accept Datukship in person

MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam has confirmed that Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will be accepting his Datukship.

The ceremony would be held in November, although the date has yet to be decided, he said.

Shah Rukh Khan was among 77 people conferred the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM), which carries the title Datuk, in conjunction with the 70th birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob on Oct 11.

The conferment of the title on the Bollywood heartthrob stirred up a controversy. Some commented that the actor did not deserve the award as he probably did not even know where Malacca is situated, while others said such awards should be given to local artistes.

The Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) however backed the conferment, saying it had no problem with it as long as similar or higher awards were conferred to equally deserving local artistes.

Karyawan said it was the prerogative of the state Ruler to confer awards on intended candidates, but added that it would have been better if associations were given the opportunity to recommend some names for such awards.

The issue was even brought up in Parliament.

Mohd Ali earlier said the decision to confer the title on the actor was based on a suggestion by former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin to Yang diPertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob as a means to further promote Malacca.

Shah Rukh Khan had starred in the movie One 2 ka 4 that was shot at the A Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah in 2001.

“This resulted in many people visiting Malacca since. The award is given in recognition of this,” Mohd Ali said.

He added that awarding international artistes such awards was also a good way to promote the state and country as a location for movies.

Source: The Star Online