Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan receives top honour in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday received an honourary title in Malaysia equivalent to a British knighthood, despite claims by some Malaysians that it is wrong to honour a foreigner.

Adorned in a traditional black and gold Malay outfit and headgear, Khan received the title of Datuk from the governor of Malaysia's southern Malacca state, in the presence of some 1,000 invited guests.

Malacca authorities said Khan was given the title because six of his movies were shot on location in the historical state and helped boost its tourism.

The move has stirred controversy, with Malaysians writing letters to newspapers saying it was wrong to honor a foreigner when there were many deserving local artists.

Khan earlier this week brushed aside the criticism and said he was excited to receive the title.