Had no family when I came to Mumbai, Bollywood adopted me: SRK

Mumbai, Feb 27: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is thankful for all the love he has received from the film fraternity and says he had no family when he came to the city of dreams but Bollywood welcomed him with open arms.

"I have been working for the last 25 years and all I know is to wear make-up in the morning and do my job (of acting)... Sometimes I get it right more often than not get it wrong. When I came to Mumbai I had lost my mother, father and my sister was unwell. I had no family," he said.

"The Indian film industry adopted me and today I have a family of more than a billion people. I am thankful to everyone," Shah Rukh said after receiving the National Yash Chopra Memorial Award last night.

The 51-year-old actor was honoured in the presence of Chopra's wife Pamela, actors Rekha, Jayaprada, Shatrughan Sinha, Simi Garewal, Padmini Kohlapuri, MP Subbarami Reddy, Governor of Maharashtra Vidyasagar Rao.

"For me it is one of the most important evenings of my life...To be honest, because like I said to begin with the set of people (guests) who are here talking nice things about me, showing me a documentary (of mine), none of this is possible if it wasn't for all the love, kindness, gentleness and enthusiasm that everyone gives me whenever I meet them," the actor said.

The star has collaborated with the Yash Raj banner to deliver several superhits including "Darr", "Dil Toh Pagal Hai", "Veer Zaara", "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" and shares equally warm relationship with Chopra's wife, Pamela.

"Pam aunty is like a surrogate mother to me..I have grown up with her. Everyone who works with Yash ji knows he is like their child. I had the fortune of working with him in the maximum number of films including his last movie," he said.

Talking about yesteryear actress Rekha and Jaya Prada, who were also present at the function, Shah Rukh said he is in awe of the them.

"This is a special night and the last thing I expected was to get a rakhi tied by Rekha (showing the gold bracelet put by Rekha as part of the award). It has to be the saddest moment of my life," he joked.

"To Jaya Prada ji, I have to say all my young life I had the hots for you but never got the opportunity to say it. You are saying all good stories about me. I thought you are extremely good looking. I am getting carried away I shouldn't say anything as Governor saheb is here," he added.

The "Dilwale" actor, known for his wittiness, has often got into troubles for his remarks on political issues and addressing actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who was also present at the event, the actor said that the next time if he ever lands in trouble he will seek help from him.

"As Shatru Sahab speaks (referring to supporting SRK in bad times) I do tend to gain confidence that if I get into a 'panga' in the future and I do get into panga...I know who to call..thank you sir. It gives me confidence and strength."

Shah Rukh also heaped praises at yesteryear actresses Padmini Kohlapuri and Simi Garewal.

"She (Padmini Kohlapuri) is one of the most beautiful actress. At a very early age she set herself apart through her performances and has set a path for yearning actors like us," he said.

SRK thanked Simi Garewal for making him an overnight star due to his appearance on her popular show 'Rendezvous with Simi' along with his wife Gauri.

Lata Mangeshkar, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha are the past recipients of the Yash Chopra National Memorial Award.