The award celebrates Bedi’s three-decade dedication to fostering Indo-Italian relations.
At the personal ceremony overlooking the Gateway of India in Mumbai worldwide actor Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic”.
At the personal ceremony overlooking the Gateway of India in Mumbai worldwide actor Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), essentially the most senior Italian civilian award. After the formal ceremony, there was a particular stay musical efficiency by Niccolo Fabi which set off the celebrations completely.
“This is a very emotional award for me,” Kabir stated. “Being presented the Order of Merit, Italy’s highest honour, is the fulfillment of my life’s work in Italy. It’s even higher than Cavaliere (Knight), which they made me twelve years ago. It gives me great joy to see Prime Minister Meloni and Modi complimenting each other on the internet with #Melodi. Now it’s time for the great film industries of Italy and India to produce world-class films together.”
Kabir gave a heartwarming speech thanking Italy and the Italian folks for his or her enduring love over time. He thanked his spouse, kids, and grandchildren for his or her presence and the enjoyment they convey into his life.
This double honour, he stated, was “a goose-bumps moment” for him. He recalled that his journey of being Sandokan started 100 meters from the place they have been standing at this time, on the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. That’s the place he met the director and Producer of the Sandokan sequence for the very first time. “Life has come full circle” Kabir stated.
Alessandro De Masi the Consul General of Italy learn the phrases of the President Mattarealla of Italy in his speech. “Kabir Bedi… is tied to Italy over the last 30 years by an extraordinary human and artistic partnership”. The scroll of honour was signed by President Mattarella and counter-signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Alessandro de Masi – Consul General of Italy stated, “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 stated, “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, essentially the most prestigious Italian honorific one, in the end acknowledges his unconditional feeling and passionate dedication to Italy.”
