MUMBAI: Not only has Shah Rukh Khan got innumerable fans in the Indian subcontinent, he has them in thousands in Africa.

Yesterday, the leading actor got thousands of Moroccans into a frenzy at the Marrakesh film festival when he was given the prestigious Medal of Honour by the Prince of Morocco at the ongoing 12th Marrakech International Film Festival.

“Thanks for the honour and happiness. All the best for the rest of the festival,” said Shah Rukh. “Thanks everyone for the wishes from Morocco. His Highness the King and the Prince were so gracious with their hospitality and the function,” he quipped.

Khan, who acted in some 80 films, was specially invited for the festival in Morocco, where Bollywood films rank alongside Egyptian movies in popularity.

A true showman, he warmed up the atmosphere with more than half-an-hour song and dance performance on stage that had the crowds screaming in appreciation.

Later festival organisers screened a preview of his latest film Jab Tak Hain Jaan.

The festival, which kick-started on 30 November paid a tribute to the 100 years of Indian cinema that a number of Bollywood stars including megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Sridevi, Sharmila Tagore and Tabu attended.

Bachchan has also been conferred with the Medal of Honour by Morocco‘s King Mohammed a few years ago.