PANAJI, India (AFP) - Hong Kong writer and director Wong Kar Wai said on Sunday that he was surprised and humbled to receive a lifetime achievement award at the International Film Festival of India.

Shanghai-born Wong's spectacular martial arts epic The Grandmaster closed the festival in India's tourism state of Goa.

Wong, a director for nearly three decades, was presented with the award on the final day of the 11-day Indian festival which screened more than 170 foreign films from 79 countries.

"I would like to share this honour with my wonderful wife who is with me tonight at Goa. You are my biggest achievement in life. Thank you," he told the gathering.

"I am really humbled. I am lucky that The Grandmaster will be the closing film of the festival. As far as the award tonight, this award is as much an honour as a surprise because it comes a little bit early. I hope this is not the sign of telling me to retire," the 56-year-old said.

The Grandmaster, inspired by the life of Yip Man - the mentor of legendary kung fu star Bruce Lee - has won a string of prizes including at the Hong Kong and Asian film awards.