A new "Knight"

 Khan apologised for not receiving the honour in person during Malacca Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob’s birthday on Oct 11.

“I would also like to thank the Malaysian government, my friends, fans and Malaysians who have showed me so much love,” said the popular actor, clearing the controversy of whether he was reluctant to accept the award.

“After I heard about the award, I have not stopped telling everyone around the world – in the United States, Britain and South Africa – that I have been knighted,” he said.

He said he only came to know about the award when he arrived in Singapore during the first week of November for the Zee Carnival.

“I saw it in the papers at the airport and was so surprised. I asked my friend who picked me up and he told me it’s a prestigious award, akin to the British knighthood.

“I would have stayed back if I had known much earlier.

“Again, I apologise,” said Shah Rukh, who also had to reschedule the Nov 28 ceremony as he was not well.

Asked about the controversy over the award, with some saying that he was not deserving of it, Shah Rukh said:

“I do not have to read about myself in the papers. I know who I am and what I deserve.

“Whatever people write about me, be it positive or negative, will not change anything.

“I am a bit self-centred in that sense. I am my own best friend,” he said.

He added: “I have got a Padmashree in India. I have been honoured in Malaysia and France. I’m at Madame Tussaud’s. I have a 2 billion rupee (RM150mil) turnover for the work I do.

“I’ve got a lovely house, beautiful children, lovely family.

“I’ve got beautiful friends in Malaysia. What more could I ask for. I thank God for all these blessings.”