Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who has been conferred the coveted Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Letters (The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government, considers himself silly to have chosen to advertise his award, and he blames his fame for it.

“Indian scholars have received 2 Chevaliers and don't advertise it. Between humility & fame silly me chose latter. Thank you friends and fans,” he wrote on his Twitter page.

Indian scholars have received 2 Chevaliers and don't advertise it. Between humility & fame silly me chose latter. Thank you friends and fans

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 23, 2016

 Being the second Tamil actor to receive the honour after thespian Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal had dedicated the award to his admirers and audience.  

“This is to those who give me the tenacity of purpose to pursue to this day in moment my arts and letters,” he said. He also said he realized he’s not alone in his chosen field. “Teachers and admirers are bounded around me. With motherly care, they have applauded my every little step forward. The melancholy of my parents not being alive to see this day is allied by the fact the elders and the young in my family are around to enjoy it,” he had said in his voice message.

The award is presented to recognize eminent artists and writers, as well as people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.

This content was provided by Digital Native.