SRK promises to be fluent in Bengali, requests 'dhoti' for KIFF inaugural

Wowing fans with a fresh attempt at Bangla at the opening of the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) here on Friday, superstar Shah Rukh Khan sought a traditional Bengali 'dhoti' for the next edition, promising to be fluent in the regional language.

"I have promised that I will keep on learning Bangla. My Bengali has to get better. This is my new attempt with eight lines. Please bear with me. Let me get this right because by next year I have to do it without reading it off a paper," Shah Rukh said attired in a tuxedo while officiating as the co-host at the KIFF inaugural.

"Ei film festival er bishesh onusthane uposthith thakte pere sammanito bodh korchi. (I feel honoured to be present at this special event). Sanskriti ebong oitihjjyor ei shohor (Kolkata is the city of culture). Shob cheye Mishti Shohor Kolkata (It is the sweetest city)," said SRK to rousing applause.

The 52-year-old actor who is Bengal's brand ambassador, also requested a 'dhoti'.

"Next time I am going to ask my friends to give me a dhoti also... Come and speak in full Bengali... fluent also and be here," he said, congratulating State Chief Minister Minister Mamata Banerjee for organising the festival.

Banerjee on her part promised the attire.

"We will give a dhoti-panjabi to Shah Rukh. He has asked us," Banerjee added.

--IANS

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