BEN KINGSLEY - KINGSLEY: 'CALL ME SIR BEN'

British actor SIR BEN KINGSLEY is so proud of his knighthood he reportedly sent a letter to all his friends and colleagues insisting they use the title.

The SEXY BEAST star - real name KRISHNA BHANJI - was knighted by QUEEN ELIZABETH II in the 2001 New Year's Honour's List.

A source tells British newspaper the DAILY MAIL, "When Ben got his knighthood three years ago, he got his secretary to send all his contacts a letter, reminding them that he was now to be referred to as 'Sir Ben'.

"To say many of us thought he was a plonker would be the understatement of the year."