Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to receive an honorary doctorate degree from Melbourne-based La Trobe University for his contributions and efforts towards underprivileged children, women’s empowerment through Meer Foundation and his achievements in the Indian entertainment industry.
Khan, who will be visiting Australia to attend the 10th edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) next month as its chief guest, said having his philanthropic endeavours recognised for the first time by the country was a great honour.
Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai to be screened: Karan Johar will also be attending the festival as a distinguished guest. On this occasion, a special screening of Khan’s hit film Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai will also take place.
La Trobe University is the first Australian university to award Khan with an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters (honoris causa).
“I’m happy to be conferred with a great university like La Trobe which has a long-standing association with Indian culture and remarkable track record in pushing for women’s equality,” Khan was quoted by the university’s statement on Monday.
I feel truly privileged, says SRK: “I feel truly privileged to get this Honorary Doctorate and I would like to genuinely thank La Trobe for choosing to recognise my successes in such a humbling way,” he added.
IFFM director Mitu Bhowmick said the festival was lucky to have the university as a partner.
La Trobe will present Khan with his Honorary Doctorate on August 9 at its Melbourne campus in Bundoora.
The La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor John Dewar said the actor’s humanitarian leadership closely aligns with the university’s values.
“Khan is a champion of societal change whose efforts to support the equality of women in India reflect La Trobe’s values of inclusiveness, equity and social justice,” Dewar said.
The rumours are true. Bollywood superstar and famed philanthropist Shah Rukh Khan is coming to La Trobe.
Find out why: https://t.co/lEv5LbrjOd | #latrobeuni #IFFMHero pic.twitter.com/nGIg3Ofjs5
— La Trobe University (@latrobe) July 15, 2019
