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 Rekha 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."
Continuing its tradition of honouring cinematic excellence, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will confer upon Rekha the Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema spanning over five decades.
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.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Founder and Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, said, “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”.
"Having Rekha ji hoist the Indian National Flag on India's Independence Day is a moment of immense pride for all of us. Our annual flag-hoisting ceremony has become one of the most meaningful traditions of the festival, bringing together the Indian community in Australia to celebrate our shared heritage and values.
Over the years, some of the greatest names in Indian cinema have led this ceremony, and Rekha ji's presence adds another unforgettable chapter to that legacy”."It is equally fitting that we honour her with the Excellence in Cinema Award.
Her contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable, and her influence continues to inspire actors, filmmakers, and audiences across generations. We look forward to celebrating her remarkable journey and creating memories that will remain with the festival and our audiences for years to come."
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which will take place from 13 to 23 August 2026, has, over the years, established itself as one of the world’s leading celebrations of Indian cinema. Bringing together some of the finest voices from the Indian film industry, the festival continues to strengthen cultural ties between India and Australia while celebrating stories and artists that have left a lasting impact on audiences across the world.