Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday joined the legion of legends like Satyajit Ray, Pandit RaviShankar and Steven Spielberg after being awarded with France's highest civilian distinction.

The Legion d'honneur (Legion of Honour) was awarded in recognition of Bachchan's contribution to Indian and international cultural life at a glittering function at the French embassy in New Delhi.

French Ambassador H E Dominique Girard, who gave away the award, said that by honouring Bachchan with the highest honour of the Republic, his country was showing the respect that the star deserved. 

"This is a rare honour, and this distinction speaks of what we think of Bachchan and the country he belongs to," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Bachchan said it was an honour that he accepted on behalf of the whole of Indian cinema.

"It is an honour, which fills me with great pride. It is rather recognition of the manifold achievements of Indian cinema, that I am part of," he said.

The Bachchan's family, including his wife Jaya Bachchan, son Abhishek, would-be daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, daughter Shweta, was in attendance at the event.