Kabir Bedi received the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the highest civilian honor in the country, at a private ceremony in Mumbai. The actor was accompanied by his daughter Pooja Bedi, granddaughter Alaya F, and wife Parveen Dusanj.
Expressing his delight, Kabir Bedi stated, “This award is very emotional for me. Receiving Italy’s highest honor is the culmination of my work in Italy. It’s even more significant than being made a Cavaliere (Knight) twelve years ago. I am thrilled to see Prime Minister Meloni and Modi praising each other on the internet with #Melodi. Now it’s time for the great film industries of Italy and India to collaborate and produce world-class films together.”
President Mattarealla of Italy said, “Kabir Bedi… is tied to Italy over the last 30 years by an extraordinary human and artistic partnership.”
He added, “Kabir keeps on playing, decade after decade, an extraordinary role in promoting better relations between India and Italy. His popularity is widespread across all generations in Italy. This is the reason why the President of the Republic of Italy has decided to present him one of Italy’s highest decorations, The Order of Merit. Kabir is very special for all of us Italians.”
The Ambassador to Italy, Vicenzo De Luca, shared, “Kabir is not only a great promoter and a profound admirer of Italy, in India and around the several countries where he is known. Kabir is a sincere friend of Italy, strongly bonded to it. As often he likes to define himself, Kabir feels an Italian in India and an Indian in Italy. This award, the most prestigious Italian honorific one, ultimately recognizes his unconditional feeling and passionate dedication to Italy.”
Following the formal ceremony, there was a special live musical performance by Niccolo Fabi which set off the celebrations perfectly.
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