Pictures: Aishwarya with Abhishek, Aaradhya at French civilian award

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was honoured by France with a prestigious civilian award for her contribution to art on November 1st on her birthday. Francois Richier, Ambassador of France to India was present to confer the honour of 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters' (Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres), the second highest civilian French honour on her. However, it was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's eleven month old daughter Aaradhya who grabbed attention as she kept crying constantly.

Aishwarya's entire family including husband Abhishek, father-in-law Amitabh and her parents were all present as the 39-year-old actress was conferred with the honour of 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters' (Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres).

The event took place at Sofitel hotel in Bandra Kurla Complex last evening and was supposed to start at 7.30 pm but began at 9 pm instead. Doting mother Aishwarya held Aaradhya in her arms when she entered the hall where the event was scheduled to happen. As she went on stage to receive the award, Aaradhya kept crying constantly and it was father Abhishek who carried her outside. "It gets overwhelming for babies. That is why we get protective (about children). We would love to share our personal moments with all of you but we tend to take care of our babies," Aishwarya said.

The actress got a little emotional and said, "I am realising what it takes to be a mother. Thank you for giving me such an undefinable experience of being a mother. It surpasses everything." Aaradhya, born November 2011, has been clicked by shutterbugs on a few occasions when Aishwarya went abroad for a work related commitment, when she travelled to Chicago and the most recent being at grandfather Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday bash on October 10 in Mumbai.

Here, we have some exclusive pictures of Aishwarya Rai and her family (Abhishek Bachchan, daughter Aaradhya, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan) who were present at the award function.

Aishwarya With Daughter And Hubby

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan graced the function with her entire family. Here she is seen holding her eleven month old daughter Aaradhya. Hubby Abhishek looks on.

Aishwarya Cuts The Cake

Aishwarya cuts the cake, which was made specially for her honour.

Aishwarya With Brother Aditya Rai

Aishwarya feeds cake to her elder brother Aditya Rai.

Aishwarya Feeds Abhishek

Aishwarya feeds cake to her hubby Abhishek. Father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan looks on.

Aish With Abhishek And Aaradhya

Aishwarya poses for camera with Abhishek and daughter Aaradhya.

Aishwarya Thanks Francois Richier

Aishwarya thanks Francois Richier, Ambassador of France to India.

Aishwarya With Family

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan came along with her entire family. But baby Aaradhya was the centre of attraction!

Doting Father Abhishek Holds Baby

Abhishek Bachchan undoubtedly dotes on his eleven month old baby Aaradhya. Here, Aishwarya is seen handing Aaradhya to Abhishek.

Baby Aaradhya Poses For The Shutterbugs!

Baby Aaradhya poses for the shutterbugs! She definitely doesn't seem to be in a great mood, but nevertheless, seems very adorable! What say guys?

Papa Abhishek Takes Daughter Outside

Papa Abhishek takes daughter outside.