Shahrukh Khan named Goodwill Ambassador for Sanitation

BY EDMUND SMITH-ASANTE, MUMBAI, INDIA

World- renowned Indian actor referred to as the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, has been named as the Goodwill Ambassador for Sanitation and Hygiene at an impressive opening ceremony of the WSSCC Global Sanitation and Hygiene Forum in Mumbai, India.

Making the announcement Sunday, October 9, 2011 at approximately 20:45 hrs Eastern Time, organizers of the first ever global forum on sanitation, which has attracted well over 300 participants from all over the world, said Shah Rukh Khan had eagerly agreed to join a campaign to ensure a greater part of the world and India’s population who do not have access to improved sanitation get that access.

He has also been named a global ambassador for sanitation and hygiene as part of a United Nations-backed campaign to tackle diseases such as diarrhoea, which is the second-biggest killer of children worldwide.

Commenting on his new role, the Bollywood actor said, “It is shameful and tragic that every 30 seconds a child dies from preventable diarrhoea — that’s two unnecessary child deaths per minute.”

“Toilets for all will make India and the world a healthier and cleaner place, particularly for poor women, girls and others at the margins of our societies,” he added.

In a public service announcement made for about 20 television stations in India which was shown at the formal opening of the global forum, Shah Rukh Khan stated his mission as an ambassador and challenged all to help in the fight against inequalities in the provision of sanitation and hygiene services.

Quoting Mahatma Ghandhi, he said “Be the change that you want to see.”

Although his birth name is spelt Shahrukh, the King Khan of Bollywood, who was born on November 2, 1965, prefers and signs his name Shah Rukh.

He Studied in St. Columba's school, New Delhi, where he was awarded the 'Sword of Honor', essentially the award for best student.
Shah Rukh began his career appearing on television in the early 90s but today, is one of the most sought after actors in Bollywood, has numerous best actor awards, and has branched out into film production and television presenting as well.

Khan also owns the Red Chillies Entertainment, which is also the owner of IPL Cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. Khan's films such as Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Chak De India (2007), Om Shanti Om (2007) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) remain some of Bollywood's biggest hits, while films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) have been top-grossing Indian productions in the overseas markets, making him one of the most successful actors of India.