Legendary Indian actress Rekha will be honored with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, taking place from August 13 to 23, 2026. Attending the festival as the guest of honor, the cinema icon will be recognized for her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema spanning decades and featuring iconic films such as Silsila, Khoobsurat, Ijaazat, and Koi… Mil Gaya.
To celebrate her legacy, IFFM will showcase a special screening of the newly restored print of Muzaffar Ali’s 1981 classic Umrao Jaan. The period musical drama, based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s novel, earned Rekha a National Film Award for her portrayal of a 19th-century Lucknow courtesan and poetess. Reflecting on the recognition, Rekha expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to the filmmakers, writers, and musicians who shaped her artistic journey.
In addition to the award ceremony and screening, Rekha will join the Indian diaspora, Australian dignitaries, and film fraternity members to hoist the Indian national flag on August 15 as part of Independence Day celebrations in Melbourne. Over the years, the flagship ceremony has hosted prominent Indian cinema figures, including Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Ram Charan, and Karan Johar.
