Kamal Haasan Has Been Chosen For The Prestigious French Chevalier Awar

A. Prathap

Actor Kamal Haasan has another achievement to his credit. Kamal Haasan has become the second Tamil star after Sivaji Ganesan to be honoured with the Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Lettres (The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government.

The Order is part of France's premier award, the Legion of Honor. Haasan's spokesman on Sunday told media, "The distinction...is in recognition of his high level of artistic excellence and his distinguished career achievements."

Dedicating the award to his "admirers and audience", in a special audio message, Kamal Haasan said:

"On this occasion, I bow before my more deserving forerunners Satyajit Ray and Sivaji Ganesan who made even the common man realise the value of Chevalier award. 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."

Additionally, he also said that these awards and recognition humbles him. He expressed his sadness that his parents are not alive to see their son receiving such an honor.