Shah Rukh honoured for promoting Urdu through his movies

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan yesterday received an honorary doctorate from the Moulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad for his extraordinary contribution in promotion of the Urdu language and culture through his films.Chancellor Zafar Sareshwala conferred him with the degree at the sixth convocation of the university as President Pranab Mukherjee, who was scheduled to be the chief guest, did not attend.Clad in a graduation gown and sporting sunglasses, Khan received the honorary doctorate amid a thunderous applause by the students.In his brief acceptance remarks, Khan thanked the university for the honour. He said his parents would have been happy to see the moment, especially since he was receiving the honour in the birthplace of his mother.The actor said his father was well educated with MA and LLB degrees, was a freedom fighter and follower of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.“I heard my father also contested an election as an independent candidate but forfeited his deposit,” he said.Khan told the gathering that his father spoke fluent Urdu and Persian. “Whatever little knowledge I have about how to speak, it is because of him,” he said.“I think it is a very big responsibility in the field of education and in the field of Urdu and languages. Through my work, whatever little I can do, I promise, I will make sure that I take it to the best of my capabilities,” he added.‘King Khan’ later addressed the students, sharing his thoughts and giving them some advice.MANUU Vice Chancellor Aslam Parvez thanked Khan for attending the convocation and accepting the honorary doctorate, saying this shows his love for Urdu.