Actor Kabir Bedi will be named Cavaliere (Knight) of the 'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana', the highest ranking civilian honour of the Italian Republic instituted in 1951.
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He will be honored at a special ceremony, organized by the Italian Consul General in Mumbai - Giampaolo Cutillo - early December, a spokesperson for the actor said here today.
The 64-year-old actor's association with Italy goes back a long way, beginning in 1976 with the 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, and made Kabir Bedi a household name internationally. Since then, he has also starred in many other Italian TV series and films.
Kabir said he accepts the 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 said.
Kabir said he has always promoted projects between India and Italy because he believes both countries are similar in many ways - "the warmth of people, shared family values, rich cultural heritage, 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," he said adding that he plans to release the DVD of the Sandokan series dubbed in Hindi.