| NEW
DELHI: Famed actor Kabir Bedi, who rose to heights in Hindi cinema with his imposing
voice before making a mark in Hollywood, is to receive the prestigious Cavaliere
(Knight) of the Order "Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana" from the
Italian Government.
The "Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana",
instituted in 1951, is the highest ranking civilian honour of the Italian Republic.
The Italian ambassador to India will bestow the honour on Kabir at a special ceremony,
organised by the Italian Consul General in Mumbai Giampaolo Cutillo in early December.
Kabir will now
be titled, and may be addressed as, Cavaliere Kabir Bedi. Bedi
recently made a foray into Indian television with the series Ganga ki Dheej
on Sahara One. Kabir
Bedi's association with Italy goes back a long way, beginning in 1976 with the
enormous success of his Sandokan TV Series, the saga of a freedom fighting Asian
pirate during British colonial times who falls in love with an English girl. The
series broke viewership records across Europe, unmatched till today, and made
Kabir Bedi a household name internationally. Since then, he has also starred in
many other Italian TV series and films. Responding
to the announcement, Bedi told indiantelevision.com in an e-mail message: "What
fantastic news! I accept this Knighthood from the Italian Republic with enormous
joy and deep gratitude. It’s the perfect symbol of all the love that Italy
has showered me with for decades, ever since I played the title role of the “Sandokan”
TV series, continuing till today. But this is for a lifetime of work. Awards are
valued by every actor, but this Knighthood is extra special for me as it comes
from the Italian state." He
added: "Through the years, I have promoted projects between India and Italy
because I believe both countries are very similar in many ways: the warmth of
people, shared family values, rich cultural heritages, great cinematic traditions,
tremendous cuisines, even talking with animated hands! I have always enjoyed working
there, both in films and television. Italy has a very special place in my heart
forever." | 
