The French government bestowed its highest national distinction on Amitabh Bachchan, legendary Indian actor and superstar, for his contribution to Indian and international cultural life.
The award of Officier de la Legion d'Honneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour) was conferred on Bachchan by France's Ambassador to India, Dominique Girard, at a special ceremony at the French embassy on Saturday.
The Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honour) was instituted in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte. Renowned film director Satyajit Ray and sitar maestro Ravi Shankar are some of the other Indians to have received this award.
The ceremony was preceded by a special screening of the documentary film 'Penguins, A Love Story' for which Bachchan has lent his voice.
Bachchan arrived for the event accompanied by his entire family, including his grandchildren, wife Jaya, daughter Shweta, son Abhishek and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai and her parents.
Samajwadi party leader Amar Singh and his wife also came with the actor. Bachchan said he was humbled by the honour that had been bestowed on him.