aishwarya rai speaking at the award function of Knight of the Order of Arts and letters
Good
evening and thank you to the French Ambassador Francois Richier, Eminent
dignitaries, respected members of the media, my dear family and friends, ladies
and gentlemen….
I
must begin by sincerely thanking the French Government, for honouring me with
this award of Knight of the Order of Arts and letters, the 2nd
highest civilian award, for my humble contribution to the world of cinema over
the years. To be conferred with this distinction is truly overwhelming. And
given the fine company of distinguished Indian personalities from the fields of
cinema, art, literature as well as those conferred with this honour
internationally, this is treasured.
FRANCE
has been quite the symbol of the celebration of ART and CULTURE globally…much
like India…and immensely contributed to and influenced the ever-evolving world
of cinema, theatre, literature, music, architecture and fashion. Mention PARIS
and you witness this very celebration in its FULL GLORY and its magnetic
romantic CHARM.
Mention
CANNES and you recognize one of the World’s most glamorous celebrated films
festivals experienced
Ten
years ago, I had the privilege of representing an Indian film for the 1st
time here with DEVDAS being screened at the PALAIS at Cannes. And, what a
memorable reception it was an Indian horse carriage,……….a standing
ovation…overwhelming. To experience an
Indian film being celebrated with such fanfare in France was immensely
special. Personally speaking, it was
thereon, that International media and the world of cinema recognized my work in
Indian Cinema…and for this, I will always thank you sincerely, for the immense
love and appreciation I received first from the people of FRANCE, on a global
platform.
To
be invited back again as jury member of this festival, a 1st for a
member of the Indian Film Industry gave me much pride, at being given the
responsibility of representing MY INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY, in France,
internationally.
From
thereon…. till date…. opportunities and experiences have been aplenty…. Each
one memorable and cherished… occasions strengthening creative ties between
France and India and therein our beautiful countries…both so rich in ART,
HERITAGE & CULTURE.
I
could go on and on, because of so many beautiful memories but I’ll end, by
thanking the French Government once again for this overwhelming honour and your
patience with me at conferring it. I
also thank EVERY PROFESSIONAL (Directors, actors, technicians, crew and my
personal staff) I’ve worked with throughout my career in this wonderful and
glorious family of the Indian Film Industry. My ever-loving audience in India
and the world over, for your unconditional love, acceptance, appreciation,
prayers and blessings. Members of the media and critics for all your support
and most importantly, and most precious my family, my father-in-law and
mother-in-law for their blessing. Thank you PA for coming here today. It’s extremely important for me to dedicate
today’s honour to the unconditional love, support,
sacrifice and prayers/blessings of my mother, father and brother. And to the
love of my life, my husband Abhishek and our Aaradhya.
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