Shah Rukh Khan, who was conferred Tuesday the Knight of the Legion of Honour - France's highest honour on, said that the event coincided with his mother's birthday and if she were alive, she would be proud. “She would have been extremely happy that her son has got the most prestigious honour in the world. This is the best birthday gift for her. I accept this award not as an individual but on behalf of hundreds of filmmakers," said the Bollywood superstar, who was seen without glasses after his eye surgery to correct myopia. “Now I can see far and wide,“ he said displaying his trademark wit.

The distinction was conferred on the actor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cultural diversity across the world. SRK, in fact, is the second actor from the Hindi film industry, after megastar Amitabh Bachchan, to be bestowed this hon d our. Instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality of the recipient. “The French people hail Shah Rukh Khan's talent and generosity," said Laurent Fabius, the French minister of foreign affairs and inters national development.