NDTV

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar has been chosen for the French government's highest civilian honour, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, for her contribution to the world of cinema.

The award, instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, will be presented in mid-December at a grand ceremony in Mumbai, said a French Embassy official.

French Ambassador Dominique Gerard, a winner of the Knight of the Legion of Honour himself, will travel to Mumbai for the award presentation.

Traditionally, the award is given away only by a winner of the same honour.

Last month, Bollywood super mega star Amitabh Bachchan had been named winner of the Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French government.

Bachchan will, however, receive the award only in January next year at the French Embassy.

The Hindi version of the Oscar-winning animation film March of the Penguins in which Bachchan has given his voice will be premiered on the occasion.

The late film maestro Satyajit Ray is the only recipient of the highest award in the Legion of Honour category. President Francois Mitterand had personally presented the 'Commander of the Legion of Honour' to Ray during his visit to India.