Actor Kabir Bedi was given the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the most senior Italian civilian award, at a private ceremony held in Mumbai on Sunday.
The actor was joined by his daughter Pooja Bedi, granddaughter Alaya F, and wife Parveen Dusanj at the event.
“This is a very emotional award for me,” Kabir said. “Being presented the Order of Merit, Italy’s highest honour, is the fulfilment of my life’s work in Italy. 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.”
Alessandro de Masi - Consul General of Italy said, “Kabir keeps on playing, decade after decade, an extraordinary role in promoting better relations between India and Italy. His popularity is widespread across all generations in Italy. This is the reason why the President of the Republic of Italy has decided to present him one of Italy’s highest decorations, The Order of Merit. Kabir is very special for all of us Italians.”
The formal ceremony ended in a special live musical performance by Niccolo Fabi.