Veteran actor Rekha will attend the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 as Guest of Honour, where her landmark 1981 film Umrao Jaan will be screened before a global audience. The actor says the character she played over four decades ago has never truly left her.

Rekha on Umrao Jaan

In a statement released ahead of the festival, 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.”

Directed by Muzaffar Ali and based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film traces the life of a Lucknow tawaif and poet and her rise to prominence. At the 29th National Film Awards, it won four honours, including Best Actress for Rekha — a role widely regarded as the defining performance of her career.

Excellence in Cinema Award

The festival will also confer on Rekha the Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising her decades-long body of work and her enduring influence on Indian cinema. Accepting the honour, Rekha said: “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.”

Flag-Hoisting on Independence Day

As part of IFFM’s annual Independence Day tradition, Rekha will hoist the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on 15 August 2026, marking India’s 79th Independence Day alongside members of the Indian diaspora, Australian dignitaries, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts. The ceremony has previously been led by luminaries including the late Rishi Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ram Charan, and filmmaker Karan Johar.

What the Festival Director Said

Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Founder and Festival Director of IFFM, called Rekha “one such timeless icon” whose “extraordinary body of work, grace, and unparalleled legacy” has inspired audiences well beyond India. “Having Rekha ji hoist the Indian National Flag on India’s Independence Day is a moment of immense pride for all of us,” she added. “Her contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable, and her influence continues to inspire actors, filmmakers, and audiences across generations.”

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 is scheduled from 13 to 23 August 2026, with the flag-hoisting and Rekha’s honour among the headline moments of the event.