Rekha, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated icons, is set to grace the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 as its esteemed guest of honour. The festival, which runs from August 13 to August 23, will feature a special screening of her iconic film Umrao Jaan, directed by Muzaffar Ali. During this prestigious event, Rekha will be awarded the Excellence in Cinema Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema over a remarkable span of more than five decades.
In a heartfelt statement about her honour, Rekha expressed her deep connection to Umrao Jaan, saying, “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.” She further elaborated, “To revisit that journey and see the film being celebrated on a global stage is both humbling and moving.” Rekha emphasized the significance of cinema in her life, stating that being honoured at IFFM 2026 is not just a personal milestone but also a tribute to the many talented individuals who have influenced her career.
- Flag hoisting on August 15 — Rekha will hoist the Indian national flag in Melbourne, celebrating India's 79th Independence Day.
- Previous flag hoisting leaders — Past ceremonies have been led by notable figures like Rishi Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, marking a tradition of excellence.
- Festival traditions — The annual flag-hoisting ceremony is a cherished tradition at IFFM, fostering community spirit among the Indian diaspora in Australia.
As part of the festival's Independence Day celebrations, Rekha will join members of the Indian diaspora, Australian dignitaries, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts to hoist the Indian flag. This event is anticipated to be a significant gathering, celebrating shared heritage and values among the Indian community in Australia. Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the Founder and Festival Director of IFFM, highlighted Rekha's cultural impact, stating, “There are very few artists whose presence transcends cinema and becomes part of a nation’s cultural consciousness. Rekha ji is one such timeless icon.”
Lange further articulated the pride in having Rekha hoist the Indian National Flag, calling it a moment of immense significance for the festival. She stated, “Having Rekha ji hoist the Indian National Flag on India’s Independence Day is a moment of immense pride for all of us.” The festival aims to celebrate Rekha's illustrious career while bringing together the Indian community to commemorate their shared cultural heritage. This year's festival promises to be a remarkable tribute to Rekha and her contributions to Indian cinema.
