Shah Rukh Khan has always idolised veteran actor Dilip Kumar and considers him a pillar of strength for the film industry.

The 50-year-old 'Happy New Year' actor said even tags like "icon" are small for Kumar and him getting the honour of Padma Vibhushan calls for a big celebration.

"Dilip sahab is more deserving than anybody else. Even words like 'icon' are very less for him. He is the forefather, the pillar of the film industry... Amongst the last few pillars left. I think what he has received is huge," Shah Rukh told reporters.

"No matter how many awards he gets, it will be less for him because of his art, beauty, Saira ji's support. He is one of the greatest human beings apart from being the actor. I know them personally so I can say that. It's a moment of big celebration." he added.


The thespian was presented the Padma Vibhushan by Union Home minister Ranjnath Singh at his residence in suburban Bandra here.

The 93-year-old legend was presented a medal, a certificate and a shawl by Singh, in the presence of the actor's wife Saira Bano.

In a career spanning over six decades, Kumar starred in films like "Andaz", "Aan", "Devdas" and the historical "Mughal-e-Azam".

Called as the 'tragedy king of Bollywood', he also did films like "Kranti", "Shakti", "Karma" and "Saudagar". His last film was "Qila" in 1998.