MUMBAI: Celebrating the centenary year of Indian Cinema, the French government will issue a special invitation to Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the Cannes Film Festival.

The gorgeous star has had a strong French connection for a very long time. Not only has she been endorsing a French cosmetic brand for a very long time, last year, Aishwarya was presented a civilian award by the French government. On the occasion of her birthday, the French government gave her this award in recognition of her contribution to the field of arts.

Aishwarya has always been respected in France because of her association with the Cannes Film Festival said the French Ambassador Francois Richier at a press conference. “She is very dear to our heart and we are very grateful to her,” said the ambassador who also had presented the prestigious civilian award to the actress on behalf of the government of France.

Francois Richier also said,”The Cannes festival will have a special focus on Indian Cinema where we will invite Indian film stars,” adding the obvious fact that Aishwarya will also receive the special invitation.

Apart from her, father-in-law,  Amitabh Bachchan will be there to represent his film ‘The Great Gatsby’ an d South megastar Rajinikanth will represent his upcoming  ‘Kochadaiyaan’.