Aishwarya to be honoured by French Government

Its good times all the way for our diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan... While she and her family are eagerly waiting for the newcomer in their clan, here�s latest news that will add to their happiness.....

Reports have it that tomorrow Aishwarya will be presented with the prestigious Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres by the French Government in New Delhi. As a matter of fact, she will be the first Asian actress and the youngest Indian to win the honour.

Quoted the French daily 'Le Figaro' statement, "She (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) is one of the most famous Indian actors in this country and outside the borders of India. Aishwarya will be made Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, on Wednesday July 13, by the Ambassador of France in New Delhi, Jerome Bonnafont. According to a statement from the embassy, the ceremony will be attended by the family of the young woman."

This award is the second highest civilian award in France and an equivalent to Padma Vibhushan. And it is given to honour those people who have achieved immense recognition because of their contribution in the fields of arts, culture or literature. B-town�s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan had earlier bagged this award.

Incidentally, Aishwarya was presented with this award last year itself; however, the actress then refused it owing to her father's health issues.

Other international celebrities who won this award are Robert Redford, George Clooney and Meryl Streep.