Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to get French civilian award

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turns 39 today, is all set to have a grand birthday. She will be receiving the second highest French civilian award ‘Officer Dan Ordre Arts et des Lettres’, in Mumbai today.

Aishwarya was first supposed to have received the award from the French government in 2009, but had to defer it due to her father Krishnaraj Rai’s illness. Last year, Aishwarya had again put the award on hold as a mark of respect to the victims of the Mumbai blast on 26 November, 2008.

But this year, Ash will finally be decorated by the French government and sources says that her entire family will be there supporting and cheering her.

This marks the second international distinction the birthday girl will receive this year. Aishwarya was earlier appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS on 24 September, 2012.

Ash is reportedly the youngest ever recipient of the award. Other stars previously honoured include superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Hollywood heavyweight George Clooney.