One of Indian cinema’s most iconic and celebrated actors, Rekha, will attend the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 as its Guest of Honour, marking another landmark moment in the festival’s celebration of Indian cinema and culture on the global stage.
She is also attending the festival for a special screening of the timeless masterpiece Umrao Jaan, directed by Muzaffar Ali, one of the defining films of her illustrious career and a performance that remains among the finest in Indian cinema. The festival will also honour the actress with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award, celebrating her unparalleled body of work, definitive performances, and extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema.
Speaking on this, Rekha said, “Umrao Jaan has never left me. She lives in my memories, in my silences, and in the hearts of those who have embraced her with a lot of love over the years. To revisit that journey and see the film being celebrated on a global stage is both humbling and moving.”
She added, “Cinema has been my life’s greatest blessing, and to be honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at IFFM 2026 is special. I accept this honour with immense gratitude, not only as a recognition of my own journey, but also as a tribute to the filmmakers, writers, musicians and countless collaborators who have enriched my life and shaped my work.”
With a body of work that has inspired generations and performances that have become part of India’s cinematic legacy, Rekha remains one of the country’s most celebrated and influential artists. As part of the festival’s cherished Independence Day tradition, Rekha will hoist the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on 15th August, commemorating India’s 79th Independence Day alongside members of the Indian diaspora, Australian dignitaries, filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers.
The prestigious ceremony has, over the years, become one of the defining highlights of IFFM, symbolising the deep cultural ties between India and Australia. The festival’s annual flag-hoisting ceremony has previously been led by some of Indian cinema’s most iconic personalities, including Late Rishi
Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ramcharan and filmmaker Karan Johar, making Rekha’s participation another historic chapter in the festival’s enduring legacy.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will take place from August 13 to 23.
Also Read: Inside Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar’s Wedding Reception With Rekha, Janhvi Kapoor & More
By
By
