Extra honour for King Shah Rukh!

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will have the honour of being the first Datukship recipient from Malacca to don the official state samping during a special investiture ceremony tomorrow.

The RM3,000(S$1260) specially-made black samping is adorned with kesidang flower motif and tied in the style of the late P. Ramlee to complete the baju melayu to be worn by Shah Rukh Khan.

Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaacob will confer the award 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," exco member in charge of human resources, health and consumer affairs Datuk Kapt (R) Abdul Karim Sulaiman told a press conference yesterday.

The samping is sponsored by Institut Seni Malaysia Melaka, whose representatives will help the actor put on the samping.

The RM550 baju melayu of Italian crepe is sponsored by Sovereign Wear Sdn Bhd. Managing director Huzry Fionnawatty Hussein said the baju melayu was tailored around 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," he said when contacted in Paris by mStar Online yesterday.

"What better time to launch it than in conjunction with the actor's visit?"

Mohd Ali was responding to the statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that tourist arrivals in the country was expected to fall.

Rab Ne... will not release in Pakistan

Yash Raj's next release Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Shah Rukh Khan may not see a release on Pakistan's screens. Sources reveal the production house is considering the option of holding back its release in Pakistan.

RNBDJ releases in India on December 12, which was also the release date for Pakistan. However, it's confirmed that the release might either be delayed or it may not happen at all.

A Yash Raj spokesperson agrees that this option is being considered, "We are looking at the possibilities." However the production house is not ready to openly discuss the reasons behind the move.

A source reveals, "The terror attacks in the city have marred Bollywood as well. Since the government is talking about cutting all kinds of bilateral ties with Pakistan, it doesn't make sense to release an Indian film there.

RNBDJ is a big release for Yash Raj, and SRK is a huge star in Pakistan. If the film doesn't release in Pakistan it will definitely be a setback for the audience there."

It is learnt that Aditya Chopra had a discussion with Shah Rukh over the same and both agreed that the terror attacks are quite fresh in public memory and it would send out the wrong signals.

Shahrukh Khan Unplugged on CNN-IBN

CNN-IBN is bringing an exclusive interview with the King of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan this weekend. In the candid interview with Rajeev Masand, Star goes beyond his movies and speaks about the recent spat with Salman Khan and even talks about how the economic slowdown is hitting Bollywood. The interview brings across the larger image of Shahrukh Khan as he speaks about his life and his stature as an icon. Catch the exclusive interview with Shahrukh Khan only on CNN-IBN Saturday, 6th December at 10.30 pm and Sunday, 7th December 1.30 pm.

The interview captures the star as his first movie of the year "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" is all set to release, the movie is scheduled to release on December 12 and is a directorial come back for Aditya Chopra. The release comes after "Om Shanti Om" his own production which also released almost same time last year and it is again going to compete against Aamir Khan movie as Ghajini is scheduled to release on December 25.

"Shahrukh Khan is one of the finest actors with perseverance unmatched. This special interview with actor has him on his upcoming projects and views beyond movies. "Said Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in Chief, IBN Network.