MUMBAI: The Baadshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan has added another feather to his cap. Rightly called the ‘King Khan’, he has now been honoured with Frances’ top civilian award- ‘Knight of the Legion of Honour.’
At a glittering function held on 1 July, the 48-year-old received the honour from the hands of visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius for his contribution in promoting cultural diversity across the globe.
While accepting the top honour Khan said, "I feel very humbled and grateful for this prestigious honour. Today is my mother's birthday and if she had been alive she would have been happy that I got this prestigious honour. I accept this award not as an individual but on behalf of hundreds of filmmakers. It makes me feel proud to be recognised for the field I am passionate about. This award has motivated me to take Indian cinema to the next level of acceptance, love and glory. I thank the President of France for this honour."
The French Minister invited the actor known for his romantic roles to shoot a film in France and thereby help promote good relations between the two countries.
The megastar later took to the micro blogging site Twitter where he remembered his mother saying “she would have been very happy and proud at this honour given to her son.”
Apart from Shah Rukh, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan is the other Bollywood personality to have been bestowed by the honour earlier.
Some of his memorable films are Darr, Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Swades, Chak De! India, Devdas, My Name Is Khan and Chennai Express.
Shah Rukh has also been awarded with Padma Shri in 2005 and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the government of France in 2007 for his contribution to cinema.
