Actress Rasika Dugal has reflected on a series of deeply personal moments from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026, including watching the 1981 classic Umrao Jaan alongside veteran actress Rekha and hearing Rani Mukerji recount a childhood story about rejection that struck a universal chord.

Watching Umrao Jaan with Rekha

Rekha, who starred as the iconic titular character in Umrao Jaan, was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema award at IFFM 2026, with a special screening of the film held as part of the festival. Rasika shared a photograph with Rekha from the event and described the experience as extraordinary.

'Watching Umrao Jaan with Rekha ji. And with an audience that completed dialogues and sang along with the songs,' she wrote on social media. She added: 'That a film can have that kind of impact 45 years after it was made… yes, what we do is worth it.'

Rani Mukerji's Shakuntala Story

Rani Mukerji shared a personal anecdote at the festival about not being cast as Shakuntala in a school play — a story Rasika said she resonated with completely. 'Turns out all of us have a Shakuntala story,' Rasika wrote, capturing what many in the audience appeared to feel.

The moment came during a significant chapter for Rani at the festival. On 14 August 2026, she was honoured with an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Australia's La Trobe University, recognising her nearly three-decade contribution to Indian cinema as well as her humanitarian work and advocacy around women and children's communities. Rani became visibly emotional while receiving the degree, describing it as 'one of the most humbling moments' of her life.

She is only the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive the Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University.

Rasika's Personal Win at IFFM 2026

The Melbourne festival also marked a professional milestone for Rasika herself — she was named Best Actress in the Series category at IFFM 2026 for her performance in Delhi Crime 3. She described the overall festival experience as one that left her inspired despite a hectic schedule of long flights, back-to-back events, and relentless commitments.

What the Festival Represented

IFFM 2026 underscored the enduring global reach of Indian cinema, bringing together generations of talent — from a 45-year-old classic that still moves audiences to tears, to contemporary streaming performances earning international recognition. For Rasika, the memories of Melbourne appear to be as much about solidarity and shared stories as they are about awards.

As Indian cinema continues to expand its footprint on the global festival circuit, moments like these — where icons and emerging stars share the same stage — signal a maturing of the industry's international identity.