Updated On: 11 December, 2023 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kabir Bedi has been honoured with the most senior Italian civilian award. He recalled that his journey of being Sandokan began one hundred meters from where they were standing, at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Kabir Bedi with his family
At the private ceremony overlooking the Gateway of India in Mumbai, actor Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the most senior Italian civilian award. After the formal ceremony, there was a special live musical performance by Niccolo Fabi which set off the celebrations perfectly.
“This is a very emotional award for me,” Kabir said. “Being presented the Order of Merit, Italy’s highest honour, is the fulfillment of my life’s work in Italy. It’s even higher than Cavaliere (Knight), which they made me twelve years ago. It gives me great joy to see Prime Minister Meloni and Modi complimenting each other on the internet with #Melodi. Now it’s time for the great film industries of Italy and India to produce world-class films together.”