Rekha to receive Excellence in Cinema Award at IFFM 2026

The festival will screen ‘Umrao Jaan’ to celebrate Rekha's unparalleled body of work and extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema

Published - July 28, 2026 05:32 pm IST

PTI

Veteran Hindi cinema star Rekha will attend the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) as guest of honour, where she will be presented with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award.

The festival will screen Umrao Jaan to celebrate Rekha's unparalleled body of work and extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, which spans films such as Silsila, Khoobsurat, Ijaazat, Ghar, Khoon Bhari Maang, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, and Koi... Mil Gaya.

Directed by Muzaffar Ali, Umrao Jaan is one of the most defining films in Rekha's career and celebrated 45 years of its release this year.

"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," said Rekha, 71, in a statement.

"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."

Rekha will also hoist the Indian flag in Melbourne on August 15 alongside members of the Indian diaspora, Australian dignitaries, filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers.

The festival's annual flag-hoisting ceremony has previously been led by some of Indian cinema's most iconic personalities, including the late Rishi Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ramcharan, and filmmaker Karan Johar.

"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. Her extraordinary body of work, her grace, and the unparalleled legacy she has built over decades have inspired audiences not only in India but across the world. It is an immense privilege for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne to welcome her as our Guest of Honour this year," said Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Founder and Festival Director of IFFM.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will take place from August 13 to 23.