On
April 11, 2014 Bollywood’s mega star Shah Rukh Khan was appointed ‘Goodwill
Ambassador for Public Diplomacy’ for the South Korean government at a function
in function in Gurgaon near New Delhi (see full report on www.motowndia.com dated April 11, 2014).
There
is no doubt that Shah Rukh Khan remains King Khan of India and that the Koreans
too, like the Indians, adore him, or as we all say, “worship” him.
The
moment he stepped inside the hall, the Korean community that was specially
invited for the event, started screaming on top of their voices, seeking his
attention. Cameras whirred and flash bulbs exploded. Everybody wanted a group
picture with him, which our Man obliged. There was also a group picture
scheduled with the media persons at the end of the function but unfortunately
it was cancelled at the last minute.
A
team from the Korean Cultural Centre demonstrated a taekwondo stunt and also treated
the audience to Samulnori (traditional Korean instruments). In his short
speech, the iconic star said that son was a great fan of taekwondo. Much to the delight of the Koreans, he even
told them that he liked the Gangnam Style by Psy and hoped that some day he
would get a chance to perform with him.
Shah
Rukh Khan is not only Bollywood’s iconic star but is known in the automotive
industry in India for his role in promoting Hyundai Motor India’s cars as a
brand ambassador.
At
the event held in Gurgaon, several officials of the Korean Embassy, along with
Indian government officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian
Council for Cultural Relations were present.
Bo
Shin Seo, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India gave a congratulatory speech.
Photography: Mohd. Nasir/ Motown India