Anurag Kashyap to get French honour at Cannes

"In order to honour the Indian film industry, French Culture Minister Aurelie Filippetti will confer the award of 'Chevalier dans l'ordre des Arts et Lettres' (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) on filmmaker, producer, Anurag Kashyap at a ceremony during the Cannes Film Festival on the May 20th, 2013.

Anurag Kashyap

"Bestowing the insignia of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters on Anurag Kashyap, is a recognition of his artistic talent and career, and his notable efforts in the promotion of Indian cinema in the world," French Ambassador to India Fran ois Richier said in the release. Kashyap is returning to Cannes Directors' Fortnight with his film 'Ugly' after screening his two-part crime saga 'Gangs of Wasseypur' in the same section last year.

He has directed a segment of 'Bombay Talkies', having a gala screening at the festival. Kashyap is also involved as a producer in two other Cannes selections -- 'Monsoon Shootout' and 'Lunch Box'. India is the guest country at the 66th Cannes Film festival which is celebrating the 100 years of Indian cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan opened the two-week long festival with his 'The Great Gatsby' co-star Leonardo DiCaprio on May 15. Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is part of the prestigious nine-member jury headed by Steven Spielberg. The French government's honour is conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of arts in France and throughout the world.

Noted past Indian recipients of the prestigious award are late Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan, Lata Mangeshkar, Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, photographer Raghu Rai, theatre director Ebrahim Alkazi, theatre director and actor late Habib Tanveer, civil servant and novelist Upamanyu Chatterjee, Shaji N Karun and sculptor Subodh Gupta.u00a0