Mumbai, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran actor Rekha will be honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026, where her iconic 1981 classic Umrao Jaan will also be screened as part of the festival’s celebrations.
Expressing her emotions ahead of the event, Rekha said the celebrated character of Umrao Jaan continues to remain an inseparable part of her life.
“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 so much love over the years. To revisit that journey and see the film being celebrated on a global stage is both humbling and moving,” she said.
Directed by Muzaffar Ali and based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s classic Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the period musical drama chronicles the life of a Lucknow courtesan and poet. Rekha’s acclaimed performance earned her the National Award for Best Actress, while the film won four honours at the 29th National Film Awards.
Accepting the upcoming recognition, Rekha described cinema as her life’s greatest blessing and said the award was also a tribute to the filmmakers, writers, musicians and collaborators who shaped her artistic journey.
As part of the festival’s annual Independence Day celebrations, Rekha will also hoist the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on August 15, marking India’s 79th Independence Day in the presence of the Indian diaspora, Australian dignitaries, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts.
IFFM Founder and Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange described Rekha as a timeless icon whose remarkable contribution to Indian cinema continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences worldwide. She said it was a privilege to welcome the legendary actor as the festival’s Guest of Honour and recognise her enduring cinematic legacy.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 will be held from August 13 to 23.
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