Amitabh to get France’s highest civilian honour

The French government will honour Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan with its highest civilian award, the Officer of the Legion of Honour.

Legion d’Honneur is the highest distinction that can be conferred in France on a French citizen or foreigner. The announcement that Bachchan will be bestowed with the Officier de la Legion d’Honneur came on Wednesday, October 11, the birthday of the superstar.

“France has decided to honour Amitabh Bachchan for his contribution to Indian and international cultural life,” a spokesperson of the French Embassy said in New Delhi.

She said the French ambassador would soon discuss with Bachchan the details for conferment of the award. According to reports, the ceremony could either be held in Mumbai or New Delhi.

Bachchan has lent his voice to the Oscar-winning French documentary ‘The March Of the Penguins’ (2005), directed by Luc Jacquet.