Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was today conferred honorary doctorate by the Maulana Azad National Urdu University here for contribution towards promotion of Urdu culture.
Chancellor Zafar Sareshwala conferred the 'honoris causa' (doctor of letters) on Khan and Rekhta Foundation founder Sanjiv Saraf at the sixth convocation of the university, for their contribution in the promotion of Urdu language and culture.
Expressing happiness on being conferred the honorary doctorate, Khan said the honour would make his (late) father happy as he was a freedom fighter and held Maulana Azad and also education in high esteem.
The actor said he would try to live up to the responsibility bestowed on him.
Before the starting of the programme, the organisers said that President Pranab Mukherjee, who was scheduled to attend the event as chief guest, could not do so due to unavoidable reasons.
The university was established here in 1998.
About 2,885 graduates and post-graduates and 276 MPhil and PhD scholars from various disciplines in regular courses have been awarded degrees. Besides, 44,235 graduates and post graduates from distance mode of learning have also been given degrees in absentia, a press release issued on the occasion said.
Talking about yesteryear actress Rekha and Jaya Prada, who were also present at the function, Shah Rukh said he is in awe of the them.
"This is a special night and the last thing I expected was to get a rakhi tied by Rekha (showing the gold bracelet put by Rekha as part of the award). It has to be the saddest moment of my life," he joked.
"To Jaya Prada ji, I have to say all my young life I had the hots for you but never got the opportunity to say it. You are saying all good stories about me. I thought you are extremely good looking. I am getting carried away I shouldn't say anything as Governor saheb is here," he added.
The "Dilwale" actor, known for his wittiness, has often got into troubles for his remarks on political issues and addressing actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who was also present at the event, the actor said that the next time if he ever lands in trouble he will seek help from him.
"As Shatru Sahab speaks (referring to supporting SRK in bad times) I do tend to gain confidence that if I get into a 'panga' in the future and I do get into panga...I know who to call..Thank you sir. It gives me confidence and strength."
Shah Rukh also heaped praises at yesteryear actresses Padmini Kohlapuri and Simi Garewal.
"She (Padmini Kohlapuri) is one of the most beautiful actress. At a very early age she set herself apart through her performances and has set a path for yearning actors like us," he said.
SRK thanked Simi Garewal for making him an overnight star due to his appearance on her popular show 'Rendezvous with Simi' along with his wife Gauri.
Lata Mangeshkar, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha are the past recipients of the Yash Chopra National Memorial Award.
