Amitabh Honoured by the French
The Legion d’honneur award was bestowed on the First Man of the Bombay film industry – Amitabh Bachchan.
Saturday evening saw the Capital’s glitterati present to witness the event at the French Embassy. The entire Bachchan clan, including Amar Singh was present. Aishwarya, their soon to be daughter in law was present with her parents. This was her first public appearance with the Bachchan family after her engagement to Abhishek Bachchan.
The French Ambassador, Dominique Girard conferred the award on him. The Legion d’honneur award is the highest French distinction. Napoleon Bonaparte created it in 1802. Among the Indians to receive this award were, filmmaker Satyajit Ray and Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.
Ambassador Girard spoke eloquently about Amitabh’s achievements and summed up his journey from Saat Hindustani to Sholay. He added mention of his charisma in the television program Kaun Banega Crorepati.
He said that Amitabh is a unique symbol in India. He is an ideal husband, is the father of 2 wonderful children and the star of all times.
Amitabh Bachchan looked dignified in a ‘bandh gala’ black suit. He said, “ I am truly humbled, I consider the honour not a personal achievement, but a recognition of the manifold achievement of Indian cinema”. He also said that, “Our cinema has evolved in consonance with the nation’s progress. When National economy has made a leap forward so has cinema.” He said Indian cinema was like a woven tapestry – vivid and multi-hued.
“Penguins – A Love Story” was screened on the occasion. It was the first French film to be officially released. Amitabh Bachchan did the narration of the film. This is an Oscar winning documentary.