ZAYN Malik and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan were honoured at the annual Asian Awards.

Zayn was presented his award by Naughty Boy. This was Malik’s first-ever independent award and also his first award since leaving One Direction to launch his solo career.

Zayn said: “I’d like to thank my mum and dad, and I’d also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I’ve ever met. Everything I’ve done with them will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Shah Rukh Khan said: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to receive this award. I say this very often that my stardom belongs to most South East Asians who reside abroad who have made the Indian cinema and myself known around the world.

“There is so much talent around Asia and so many achievers, whether it is Dr Amar Bose, the Hinduja Brothers or Zayn Malik.”

Fashion icon Gok Wan hosted the event which also saw a performance from the cast of Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming West End extravaganza Bend It Like Beckham – The Musical.

Prolific Sri Lankan batsman, Kumar Sangakkara (presented by Gary Lineker) was awarded with an Outstanding Contribution to Sport.

The Outstanding Achievement in Science and Technology went to experimental particle physicist Sir Tejinder Singh Virdee and the Outstanding Achievement in Television award went to comedian, actor and broadcaster Sanjeev Bhaskar (presented by Russell Peters).

Acclaimed designer John Rocha (presented by Ozwald Boateng) picked up the award for Outstanding Achievement in Art and Design and the coveted Founders Award was presented posthumously to Dr Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, for his remarkable contribution to technology. His daughter Maya Bose flew in from California to collect the award.

Previous winners at The Asian Awards include Sir Ben Kingsley, Jackie Chan, Sachin Tendulkar, Bruce Lee, Sir David Tang, Freddie Mercury and Ahmed Kathrada who was jailed alongside Nelson Mandela on Robben Island in the fight against apartheid.