The king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, will receive an honorary award in recognition of his contribution to films, at the opening ceremony of the Red Sea International Film Festival .
The film festival will be taking place in Jeddah, on the eastern shore of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, between December 1 and 10.
With a career spanning more than three decades, the award-winning actor and producer, dubbed by his legions of fans as King Khan, has starred in more than 100 films, cementing himself as a superstar not only in India but around the world.
“I am truly honoured to receive this award from the Red Sea International Film Festival,” Khan said.
“It’s wonderful to be here among my fans from Saudi and the region who have always been huge supporters of my films. I’m looking forward to celebrating the region’s talent and being a part of this exciting film community.”
Earlier this month, Khan was honoured at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair with the first Global Icon of Cinema and Cultural Narrative Award presented to him on stage at the festival. Greeted by a packed auditorium of fans, Khan spoke about the importance of arts and culture in his acceptance speech and also discussed the UAE’s impressive vision over the years during an interview on stage.
-
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan accepts the first Global Icon of Cinema and Cultural Narrative Award at the Sharjah International Book Fair. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
Khan receives his award at book fair from Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Khawla Al Mujaini, general co-ordinator of SIBF. -
Fans, some of whom were waiting for the star since 12pm, take photos of Khan at the Sharjah International Book Fair. -
'Arts and culture allow for love, peace and compassion by taking us on visual journeys,' Khan said in his acceptance speech. -
Excited fans chant Khan's name and take pictures as he gives his speech.
His latest film Pathaan, directed by Siddharth Anand and also starring Deepika Padukone, is set for release on January 25.
“We are thrilled to be honouring Shah Rukh Khan, who is a remarkable talent and global superstar,” said Mohammed Al Turki, chief executive of the Red Sea International Film Festival.
“After 30 years in the industry, Shah Rukh Khan remains one of the most successful icons of Indian cinema and is beloved by audiences around the world. We look forward to welcoming him to Jeddah this December.”
The second Red Sea International Film Festival will be showing 131 feature and short films from 61 countries in 41 languages, showcasing both established and emerging talent.
Scroll through the gallery below to see photos from last year's Red Sea International Film Festival closing ceremony
-
Saudi actress Fay Fouad arrives on the red carpet during the closing ceremony of the first Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia's coastal city of Jeddah. Photo: Red Sea Film Festival / AFP -
Kurdish actress Avan Jamal. AP Photo -
Tunisian actress Hend Sabry. AP Photo -
Saudi actress Fatima Al Banawi. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Egyptian actress Yasmine Sabr. AP Photo -
British actor Ed Westwick. AP Photo -
Saudi actress Sarah Taibah. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Saudi actress and director Ahed Kamel chats with Red Sea International Film Festival chairman Mohamed Turki on the red carpet. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Indonesian actress Ara Winda Kirana receives her Best Actress award for her role in the film 'Yuni'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Egyptian film director Dina Amer receives the Audience Award for the film 'You Resemble Me' during the closing ceremony of the first edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
British-Libyan actor Adam Ali, right, receives his Best Actor award for his role in the film 'Europa'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Italian-Iraqi film director Haider Rashid receives his Best Director award for his film 'Europa'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Georgian director Levan Koguashvili, second left, receives the Best Film award. AFP -
From left, Spanish actress Alejandra Onieva, US actor Rob Raco, and Spanish actress Maria Pedraza attend the Red Sea International Film Festival closing ceremony. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
US-Egyptian film director Dina Amer, second from left; and her teammates - from left, Djino Grimaudo, Ilona Grimaudo and Lorenza Grimaudo pose for a photo after the closing ceremony. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Saudi film director Hamzah Jamjoom, producer Aymen Khoja, and actors Fayez Bin Jurays and Sumaya Rida pose with their Best Saudi Film award for 'Rupture'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Kurdish-Swiss film director Mano Khalil posing with his Best Screenplay award for his film 'Neighbours'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Haider Rashid poses with his Best Director award for his film 'Europa'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
US-Egyptian film director Dina Amer poses with the Audience Award for 'You Resemble Me'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
British-Libyan actor Adam Ali posing with his Best Actor award for his role in the film 'Europa'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Indonesian actress Ara Winda Kirana posing with her Best Actress award for her role in the film 'Yuni'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Jordanian film director Darin Sallam poses with her Special Mention award for the film 'Farha'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP -
Jordanian film director Murad Abu Eisheh posing with his Short Competition Golden Yusr award for his film 'Tala-Vision'. Photo: Red Sea International Film Festival / AFP
