Shahrukh Khan selected for French award

New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) Actor Shahrukh Khan has been chosen by the French Government for the award of Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters).

The award is in recognition of his exceptional career as well as his contribution to the development of Indo-French cooperation in cinema, a French Embassy release said here today.

Last year, the French Government had selected superstar Amitabh Bachchan for its highest civilian award, Legion of Honour.

Describing Shahrukh as an actor of great talent and unmatched popularity, French Ambassador Dominique Girard said: ''The award also stands testimony to our gratitude to Mr Shahrukh Khan for his cooperation with the French cinema industry at a time when we are determined to further deepen the Indo-French collaboration in this field.'' The date for the award-presentation ceremony has not been decided yet.

The French government gives this Award to persons who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of the arts in France and throughout the world.

Since 1957, the honour has been bestowed on sevaral famous personalities such as author Mahasweta Devi, artist S.H Raza and Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Uma Thurman.

UNI