Kabir Bedi to be knighted as Italian honour of Cavaliere

Mumbai: Actor Kabir Bedi will be namedCavaliere (Knight) of the 'Ordine al Merito della RepubblicaItaliana', the highest ranking civilian honour of the ItalianRepublic instituted in 1951.

Bedi will be honoured at a special ceremony,organised by the Italian Consul General in Mumbai, GiampaoloCutillo, early December, said a spokesperson for the actor.

The 64-year-old actor's association with Italy goesback a long way, beginning in 1976 with the success hisSandokan TV series, the saga of a freedom fighting Asianpirate during British colonial times who falls in love with anEnglish girl.

The series broke viewership records across Europe, andmade Bedi a household name internationally. Since then, he hasalso starred in many other Italian TV series and films.

Bedi said he accepts the Knighthood from the ItalianRepublic with enormous joy and deep gratitude. "It's theperfect symbol of all the love that Italy has showered me withfor decades, ever since I played the title role of theSandokan TV series, continuing till today."

"But this is for a lifetime of work. Awards are valuedby every actor, but this Knighthood is extra special for me asit comes from the Italian state," he said.

Bedi said he has always promoted projects betweenIndia and Italy because he believes both countries aresimilar in many ways - "the warmth of people, shared familyvalues, rich cultural heritage, great cinematic traditions,tremendous cuisines, even talking with animated hands!"

"I have always enjoyed working there, both in filmsand television. Italy has a very special place in my heart,"he said adding that he plans to release the DVD of theSandokan series dubbed in Hindi.