Aishwarya Rai Bachchan receives 'special invite' for Cannes film festival

The French government has extended a special invite to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for this year’s prestigious Cannes film festival.

The fest is at its 66th year.

It’s, apparently, part of the 100 years of Indian cinema celebrations on the French shores.

Last year, the French government had honoured Aishwarya on her birthday with a civilian award for her contribution to the arts.

French Ambassador to India Francois Richier told the Indian media that Aishwarya is respected in France because of her association with the Cannes film festival.

“She is very dear to our heart and we are very grateful to her,” said Richier.

“The Cannes festival will have a special focus on Indian Cinema where we will invite Indian film stars.”

Aishwarya's French connection dates back to many years with the actress turning brand ambassador to L’Oreal Paris.

In a statement to Emirates24/7, Aishwarya’s spokesperson confirmed her attendance.

This will clock Ash’s 12th consecutive appearance at Cannes.

This year, she will also be joined by her father-in-law and actor Amitabh Bachchan as his film ‘The Great Gatsby’ is set to open the fest on May 15.

Australian director Baz Luhrmann's ‘The Great Gatsby’ is based on the novel by American author Francis Scott Fitzgerald and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire in the lead.

Spread across 12 days, the fest will screen some prominent Indian movies.

Superstar Rajnikanth will also make an appearance to launch the trailer of his much-awaited film ‘Kochadaiyaan’, which will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English.

Directed by his daughter Soundarya R Ashwin, the movie will release in India this year.

It is reported that the 62-year-old star has been advised against long air travel, but he is adamant to make it for the Cannes fest.

“He is adamant on going. He has become extremely frail. But whenever anyone mentions his delicate health to Rajiniji, he gives the example of Mr.Bachchan, who has braved the most serious illnesses and done exactly what he wanted and gone exactly where he wanted in his career,” informed a source close to the family.

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