SRK to wear Malaysian samping at Datuk ceremony

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 5 : For Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan, December 6 would be a double treat - he will not only receive Malaysian knighthood but will also wear the official state samping during a special investiture ceremony.

The Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan will be honoured with Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) award.

The ceremony, which will be held in Ayer Keroh, will see the King Khan donning the RM 3,000 specially made black samping adorned with kesidang flower motif.

The samping will be tied in the style of the late P. Ramlee to complete the baju melayu to be worn by the actor.

The 43-year-old actor will receive the honour by Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaacob at the Dewan Seri Negri in Ayer Keroh at 10am in a ceremony to be attended by 1,000 guests.

"This is the first time that we are using this particular songket for a Datukship recipient and Shah Rukh Khan will be first to wear the official samping," The Star Online quoted exco member in charge of human resources, health and consumer affairs Datuk Kapt (R) Abdul Karim Sulaiman, as telling press conference.

Institut Seni Malaysia Melaka has sponsored the samping and its representatives will help the actor put on the samping.

The RM550 baju melayu of Italian crepe, on the other hand, is sponsored by Sovereign Wear Sdn Bhd.

Managing director Huzry Fionnawatty Hussein said the baju melayu was especially made kepping in mind the actor's estimated 5ft 8in frame.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that with declining tourist arrivals next year, Malacca would promote the state as an international film location.

"This will certainly help promote both Malaysia and Malacca. What better time to launch it than in conjunction with the actor's visit?" he said from Paris. (NAI)

ANI