The Hindu : New Delhi News : Another feather for Yash Chopra’s cap

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Another feather for Yash Chopra’s cap

Staff Reporter

To be decorated with prestigious French honour

Yash Chopra

NEW DELHI: Acclaimed Bollywood film-maker Yash Chopra will be decorated with the prestigious Officier de la Legion d’Honneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour) by the French Government at a special ceremony here on July 5 for his contribution to Indian cinema.

The highest French distinction will be conferred on the producer-director by the French Ambassador to India, Jerome Bonnafont, at the French Embassy.

The award was instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Stating that France has a tradition of supporting artists from all over the world, Mr. Bonnafont said on Thursday: “Bestowing the insignia of the Officer of the Legion of Honour on Mr. Chopra is recognition of his international artistic career and his notable efforts in the promotion of cultural exchanges and Indian cinema in the world.”

Known as a connoisseur of French cinema, Mr. Chopra is held in high esteem in the French film industry. In fact, his films have been released in French cinema halls as well as in video format.

With a career spanning nearly 50 years in the Hindi film industry, Mr. Chopra is synonymous with making the cross-border love story “Veer Zaara” and other romantic films like “Kabhi Kabhie” and “Silsila”. He has been associated with around 40 films.

The gifted film-maker would join the likes of legendary cine artiste Satyajit Ray, superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Bollywood’s melody queen Lata Mangeshkar among Indian film personalities who have been presented with the award by the French Government. American film-maker Steven Spielberg and French actor Gerard Depardieu have also been bestowed this special award.

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