Anurag Kashyap

Anurag Kashyap

Director Anurag Kashyap was conferred the French government’s “Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et Lettres” (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) award at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20. French Culture Minister Aurélie Filippetti presented the ‘Ugly’ director with the award.

“France has a tradition of supporting artists from all over the world. Bestowing the insignia of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters on Anurag Kashyap is a recognition of his artistic talent and career, and his notable efforts in the promotion of Indian cinema in the world,” French Ambassador to India Francois Richier said in a press release.

Previous Indian recipients of the French honor include legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, top star Shah Rukh Khan, top actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and acclaimed photographer Raghu Rai.

Kashyap is returning to Cannes Directors’ Fortnight with his film “Ugly” after screening his two-part crime saga “Gangs of Wasseypur” in the same section last year. He has directed a segment of “Bombay Talkies,” having a gala screening at the festival. Kashyap is also involved as a producer in two other Cannes selections — “Monsoon Shootout” and “Lunch Box.”

India is the guest country at the 66th Cannes Film Festival, which is celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan opened the two-week long festival with his “The Great Gatsby” co-star Leonardo DiCaprio May 15; while Actress Vidya Balan is part of the prestigious nine-member jury headed by Steven Spielberg.