Shah Rukh Khan knighted

Shah Rukh Khan was conferred the honorary 'datuk' title that is equivalent to British knighthood. -- PHOTOS: AP

MALACCA - BOLLYWOOD heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan said he will star in a new movie that will help spread the message that Islam does not support terrorism as he was knighted on Saturday in Malaysia's southern Malacca state.

Adorned in a traditional black and gold Malay outfit and headgear, the Indian Muslim actor was conferred the honorary 'datuk' title that is equivalent to British knighthood.

Bollywood movies are highly popular in Malaysia and Khan enjoys a huge following among local Malays and ethnic Indians.

After the ceremony, Khan told reporters that his new film 'My Name is Khan,' which starts shooting this month, makes clear 'that Islam does not in any which way tell you to be violent.' 'I think the whole concept of jihad, the whole concept of warring needs to be explained as Allah meant it to be in the Quran ... it is an attempt to try and do that in an entertaining way,' Khan said.

The film, about a Muslim's strife in telling people his name but that he is not a terrorist, will be directed by top Bollywood film maker Karan Johar and will co-star Kajol Mukherjee, Khan said.

'When you are an actor, you truly believe that the language that you speak can be truly international and go across boundaries and bring hope, especially in today's time and age when the world is full of strife,' he said.

The honorary title, bestowed by Malacca Gov. Mohamad Khalil Yaacob, has stirred controversy with Malaysians who say it was wrong to honor a foreigner when there were many deserving local artists.

Malacca authorities said Khan was knighted because six of his movies were shot on location in the historical state and helped boost its tourism. -- AP