Veteran actress Rekha will grace the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 as a guest of honour, where her 1981 film “Umrao Jaan” will be showcased. Rekha expressed that her portrayal of Umrao Jaan remains a significant part of her, residing in her memories and silence. The film, a period musical drama directed by Muzaffar Ali, is based on the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada and narrates the story of a Lucknow tawaif and poet’s journey to fame.
Rekha will also be bestowed with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the festival, recognizing her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. She acknowledged this accolade with gratitude, attributing it not only to her personal journey but also to the numerous collaborators who have influenced her work. As a part of the festival’s Independence Day celebrations, Rekha will raise the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on 15th August, marking India’s 79th Independence Day alongside various dignitaries and cinema enthusiasts.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has a tradition of hosting iconic personalities for the flag-hoisting ceremony, including renowned figures like Rishi Kapoor, Aamir Khan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the Festival Director, expressed immense privilege in welcoming Rekha as the Guest of Honour, citing her enduring influence and grace as an inspiration to global audiences. Rekha’s participation in the flag-hoisting ceremony on India’s Independence Day is deemed a moment of great pride, coupled with the fitting tribute of the Excellence in Cinema Award in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the film industry.
