French Ambassador J and Bonnafont will confer the distinction on Nandita who is known for her critically acclaimed performances in films like "Fire", "Earth" and "Bawander".

After staying in front of the camera and proving her mettle as an actress, Nandita went behind the camera in 2008 to direct "Firaaq", a political thriller about aftermath of 2002 Gujarat violence.

Nandita also received recognition at the film festivals of Santa Monica (2001), Cairo (2002), and Madrid (2007).

In 2005, she served as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.

The French honour is conferred on persons who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in the field of art, culture and literature or for their contribution to the influence of arts in France and throughout the world.

It has previously been conferred to actor Shah Rukh Khan, photographer Raghu Rai, the late theatre actor Habib Tanveer and Bengali author Upamanyu Chatterjee.