Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan at Sharjah International Book Fair, receives Global Icon Award

In the presence of HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, India’s most celebrated actor Shah Rukh Khan - popularly known as the King of Bollywood - was welcomed into a packed ballroom at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair. With his full-of-life personality, the 57-year-old actor who has more than 80 films under his belt over a three-decade-long career and enjoys a mass fan following that cuts across ages and races, thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his patronage of culture in the emirate of Sharjah. Reinforcing the power of words, stories, and books in bringing cultures and humanity together, Shah Rukh Khan said: “Books are important, and everybody should participate in events like SIBF to not only read but to also learn how to write and enrich it. I think SIBF provides all these and much more. I was happy to meet the intellectual community at the book fair and interact with my fans, and I will be most honoured to come to Sharjah again.” He added: “The role of art, creativity and culture is pivotal in society. They can transcend differences, and appreciate common values that unite us all as human beings. Being platforms to celebrate books and tell stories that bring together different cultures and noble values in one place, cinema and such a large book fair like SIBF can help us choose the side that defines who we are and build the world we aspire to have in the future.” Rounding off the session with some valuable advice for his fans, he said: “Keep an honest and gentle heart. There will be times when you have to cheat life or the people around you, but if in that one moment of weakness, if you can keep an honest and gentle heart, you can lead a life of success.” Shah Rukh Khan was honoured for his contributions to the arts and for his efforts in strengthening ties amongst peoples of various cultures. #shahrukhkhan #srk #shahrukhkhaninterview #sharjah #sharjahbookfair Footage: SIBF