Kamal Hassan has been chosen for the prestigious Chevalier de L’Ordre Arts et Lettres (The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. The French government honors eminent artists and writers, as well as people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.
Haasan thanked the ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler, who informed the actor about the award.
“On this occasion I bow before my more deserving forerunners Mr Satyajit Ray and Mr Sivaji Ganesan who made even the common man realise the value of the Chevalier award. This award humbles me rather than stiffen me with pride. I realise my journey in my chosen field has not been alone. Teachers and admirers abound around me. With motherly care they have applauded my every little step forward. The melancholy over my parents not being alive to see this day is allayed by the fact that the elders and the young are still around in my family to enjoy it. I dedicate this award to my admirers and audience who give me the tenacity of purpose to pursue to this day and moment my arts and letters,” Haasan said.
Kamal Hassan’s long time friend Rajinikanth took to twitter to congratulate his comrade. “Congratulations to my generation’s ‘Nadigar Thilakam’, Chevalier and my dear Friend Kamal Haasan,” he wrote.
எங்கள் தலைமுறையின் நடிகர் திலகம் செவாலியர் அருமை நண்பர் கமல்ஹாசன் அவர்களுக்கு என்னுடைய மனமார்ந்த பாராட்டுக்கள்
