Mumbai: Noted actor, Om Puri has been conferred an award of an honorary officer of the Order of the British Empire by the British crown.

The honour was conferred by the Queen "in recognition of Puri's outstanding services to the film industry", according to a release from the British High Commission.

The investiture ceremony is likely to be held in Mumbai.

Reacting to the award Om Puri said, "I am happy and delighted to receive the award, more so since I am not a citizen of the country and yet they have chosen to confer the award upon me."

Om Puri whose association with Britain began way back in 1981 with 'The Jewel in the Crown', went on to act in the film 'Gandhi' in 1982. His association was rekindled when he played a role in the film 'City of Joy'.

"Though the 'City of Joy' was an average success, it earned me a lot of goodwill and appreciation for my role," he said.

The other projects in which the actor has featured include 'Brother in Trouble', 'My Son, a Fanatic', 'East is East', 'Canterbury Tales' and a modern adaptation of the play 'King Lear'.

"I have always enjoyed working in UK. It is very disciplined in a very organised manner and most of their films are very meaningful and more related to life. They are not self-indulgent."

Recounting the fair treatment meted to him, he said that he had never faced any discrimination, when it came to status or facilities. Nor has there been resentment even among the Asian artiste for importing an actor from Mumbai.