New Delhi: After superstar Amitabh Bachchan, it is now the turn of another superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, to be honoured by the French Government.

According to media reports the King Khan is expected to be presented with the distinction of Officer dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) in a special ceremony on January 27 in Mumbai. The day also marks the opening of the high profile French film festival.

The distinction is conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of the arts in France and throughout the world.

The award will be presented either by the visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy or the French Ambassador to India, Jerome Bonnafont.

Since 1957, the honour has been bestowed on sevaral famous personalities such as author Mahasweta Devi, artist SH Raza and Hollywood actors Bruce Willis and Uma Thurman. Arundhati Roy is the other well-known Indian recipient of the award.

Last year, the French Government had selected superstar Bachchan for its highest civilian award, Legion of Honour.

(With agency inputs)