Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS): Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is proud that his daughter-in-law, actress Aishwarya Rai, has been chosen to receive a civilian award by the French government for her contribution to the arts on her 39th birthday.

Aishwarya received the honour of prestigious 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters' by Francois Richier, ambassador of France to India, here Thursday.

"Aishwarya celebrates her birthday and also a recognition by the French government. They confer on her the medal of honor for arts and letters, their second biggest award," the 70-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

"Many years ago the French had decorated me with the Legion d'Honor their highest medal and now the family prides itself with having two of the family gaining recognition from the French," he further posted.

The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters honour is given to people who have shown exceptionable contribution to arts in France and the rest of the world.

In the past, noted celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Nandita Das have received the honour.