Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan was the first Tamil actor to be honoured with the coveted Chevalier Award in 1995.
Two decades later, Kamal Haasan has been conferred with the same title and the Tamil film industry is overjoyed.
Celebrities and fans took to social media to congratulate the actor.
Among the first to wish him was Rajinikanth. 'My heartfelt congratulations to dear friend Chevalier Kamal Haasan - the Nadigar Thilagam of our generation,' the Superstar tweeted.
Shruti Haasan wrote on Instagram: 'My daddy is the strongest !!! Standing walking beating the obstacles and doing it in style @ikamalhaasan'
The pretty actress also tweeted: 'Congratulations Bapuji on receiving the honour of the chevalier!everyday you make me proud to be your daughter! Je'taime papa.'
Some more tweets:
PC Sriram: '#KamalHaasan You Always Get what You deserve. "Chevalier" awaits you. Congrats.'
Vikram Prabhu: 'Wishing @ikamalhaasan sir on being honoured with the #Chevalier award! A great honour to a great Indian Artist.'
Rajesh M Selva: 'Congrats to #ulaganayagan for the prestigious #Chevalier award.!!Yet another proud fan moment.'
Suriya: 'Hearty congratulations sir!! Always your mad fan...'
Suriya also visited Kamal Haasan along with his father Sivakumar and younger brother Karthi to convey their wishes.
The office bearers of the South Indian Artistes' Association (SIAA), better known as the Nadigar Sangam, also met up with the actor.
The association has issued a statement announcing their decision to felicitate the actor. A similar function was held in 1995 by the then members of the association to commend Sivaji Ganesan.
Actor Prabhu, director KS Ravikumar, and the crew of the film Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyumand also met up with the actor.
