MUMBAI Legendary Bollywood singer Lata Mangeshkar has been given Frances top civilian honour in recognition of her contribution to Indian music and cinema.

The 80-year-old performer was awarded the Legion dHonneur by Frances ambassador to India, Jerome Bonnafont, at a function in Mumbai on Wednesday evening, a French Consulate official told AFP.

Mangeshkar is considered the 'grande dame' of playback singing — an artist who records music for film actors to mime on screen during set-piece song and dance routines in Hindi-language films.

She has enjoyed a career spanning seven decades and sung in more than 1,000 Bollywood and other regional language films, leading to claims that she was the worlds most prolific recording artist.

Her younger sister, Asha Bhosle, is also a playback singer and was the inspiration for British indie band Cornerships 1997 hit 'Brimful of Asha', which was later remixed by DJ Fatboy Slim.

In January 2007, France awarded Bollywood superstar actor Amitabh Bachchan the Legion dHonneur for his contribution to Indian and international culture.

Established in 1802, the Legion dHonneur is conferred on French citizens and foreigners for outstanding achievements in culture, science, industry or the military.