Shah Rukh Khan to be Datuk Dec 6

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 25 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to be conferred the Malaysian title of 'Datuk', akin to the British knighthood, Dec 6 and he is expected to receive the honour in traditional Malaysian attire.

The traditional Malaysian black costume with a waistband, a songkok and a black cap is the official attire to receive the award from the Malaccan royal chief, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The actor will receive his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka award at a ceremony at 10 a.m. at Dewan Seri Negri, Ayer Keroh, in the presence of 1,000 invited guests, The Star newspaper said Tuesday.

The actor, who was to have received the award Saturday, had to reschedule his trip due to his tight working schedule. He is scheduled to be in Malaysia for three days.

State Secretary Omar Kaseh confirmed that Shah Rukh would be in Malacca for a day.

The actor is immensely popular among Malaysians and had shot the film "One 2 Ka 4" and a song sequence from his blockbuster "Don" in Malacca.

His being conferred the Datukship had stirred up much controversy with many questioning whether he really deserves it. Critics had asked what Shah Rukh had done for Malaysia to deserve a Datukship. They also took up cudgels on behalf of local artistes.

Malaccan authorities, however, say Shah Rukh's shoot in Malaysia had benefitted the country immensely, giving it global publicity without any money being spent.

Indian films are popular in Malaysia that has an estimated 2.6 million ethnic Indians.

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