Looking completely at ease, award-winning Bollywood heartthrob Shahrukh Khan yesterday graciously received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) from Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob. Clad in a dark blue baju melayu, songkok and the official Malacca state songket samping tied in the style of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, he was ushered into Dewan Seri Negeri just before 11am by Human Resources, Health and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Capt (R) Abdul Karim Sulaiman.He was first given a short briefing on the protocol of accepting the award, and being a seasoned actor that he is, he performed his part of the ceremony without putting a foot wrong.Also present at the investiture were Khalil’s wife, Toh Puan Zurina Kassim, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, his wife Datin Seri Asmah Abdul Rahman and about 1,000 guests.However, as the newly-minted Datuk was escorted out of the hall, protocols were forgotten and it was a mob scene as guests, including some state dignitaries and their wives, took the opportunity to get a closer glimpse and maybe, a picture together with their favourite Bollywood star. Even Khalil had to wait for the crowd to calm down before making his way out of the hall.At an earlier news conference, Shahrukh gave a boost to the state government’s plan to turn the Unesco World Heritage City into an international movie hub.

“You do not need a big space for a film studio.”I am prepared to help the state government in their venture to make Malacca a destination for international film makers, especially those from Bollywood.”I love the scenery in Malacca and I think it would be a suitable place to shoot a movie,” he said, adding that the various attractions and places of interest could be used to turn the whole state into a open studio.He invited the chief minister to visit his state-of-the-art film studio in Mumbai to get an idea of what was needed to set up a studio in Malacca.During the joint news conference with Ali, Shahrukh repeatedly thanked Khalil and the state government for the honour bestowed on him.”I wish to thank the Malacca government for this prestigious award.”I feel so honoured to receive this award given by a country that does not even understand my language.”He later said that he already has plans to shoot a movie entitled Happy New Year in Malacca.
And he hopes to bring his family for a holiday soon.After the investiture ceremony, Shahrukh toured the state, visiting Menara Taming Sari and taking a trishaw ride from the Victoria Fountain to the Eye On Malaysia for a ride on the giant ferris-wheel.

He then took the Malacca River cruise, visited Kampung Morten and finally met with fans on the grounds of the City Council building.He then left for the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to board the 8pm flight back to Mumbai.