Shah Rukh Khan received 'Datuk'

Bollywood superstar Datuk Shah Rukh Khan has agreed to assist the state in developing the local film industry including shooting one of his movies here later next year.

Shah Rukh said that a team from Mumbai, India, would visit Malacca some time between August and September next year to scout for possible locations for the movie.

“There is a flim I am planning some time in August and September and will send a team down to look around,” he told reporters Saturday at a press conference after receiving his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) from governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at a ceremony held in Ayer Keroh.

He added that the tentative title for the proposed movie is “Happy New Year”.

He noted that Malacca is a beautiful state that possesses many locations ideal for moviemaking.

He suggested the state set up at least one or two floor studios and labs here in order to attract moviemakers.

On how he felt about his Datukship, the actor said that it was an honour not only for him but also for all actors from India.

“I am very happy that I have found a big space in the hearts of people here,” he added.

Earlier, some 500 specially invited guests attended Shah Rukh’s investiture ceremony held at Dewan Seri Negeri and waited patiently for more than an hour for the arrival of the superstar.

The actor arrived at about 11.15am.

The ceremony went on flawlessly and he was conferred his award from Mohd Khalil at noon.

The actor later toured several sites in the city including taking a cruise on the Malacca River and rides up the Taming Sari Tower and Eye on Malaysia including meeting fans at Dataran MBMB in Ayer Keroh before leaving for Mumbai.