Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan is set to be conferred the Malaysian title of “Datuk”, akin to the British knighthood, on December 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.
Khan is to be presented with an award from southern Malacca state, which carries the title “Datuk”, equivalent to a British knighthood, after a 2001 film set in Malacca boosted its profile as a tourist destination.
He was to receive the award on 29 November but state officials postponed the event last week.
About 1,000 invitees will witness the ceremony. SRK is scheduled to be in Malaysia for three days.
His being conferred the Datuk title 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 of ‘One 2 Ka 4’ in Malaysia had benefited the country immensely, giving it global publicity without any money being spent.
Malaysia has an estimated 2.6 million ethnic Indians and Indian Films are very popular there.
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