Vaibhavi Merchant's IFFM 2026 pics with Rani Mukerji and Rekha go viral
Synopsis
At IFFM 2026, a single viral video said it all — Rekha draping a Banarasi shawl around Rani Mukerji as choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant documented the moment for the world. It is a rare frame of three generations of Bollywood's finest, united in Melbourne, that cuts through the usual festival noise.
Key Takeaways
Vaibhavi Merchant shared photos with Rani Mukerji and Rekha from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 on 14 August .
A viral video showed Rekha felicitating Rani Mukerji with a Banarasi shawl at the festival.
Merchant and Mukerji's creative partnership spans films including Aiyyaa (2012) , Dil Bole Hadippa! , and Bunty Aur Babli 2 .
Merchant choreographed three dance numbers for Rani in Aiyyaa — 'Dreamum Wakeupum', 'Sava Dollar', and 'Aga Bai Halla Machae Re'.
Rani Mukerji was last seen in the third instalment of the Mardaani franchise.
Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant offered fans a warm look at her bonds with two generations of Bollywood royalty — Rani Mukerji and Rekha — through photographs shared from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 on 14 August. The images, posted on Merchant's social media account, quickly captured attention for the candid warmth they conveyed.
What Vaibhavi Shared
Merchant posted two photographs from the Melbourne festival. The first was a selfie with Rani Mukerji, accompanied by the caption: 'At the Melbourne film festival celebrating Cinema celebrating excellence.' The second captured a candid moment with Rekha, which Merchant simply tagged 'My fav girls.'
Rekha Felicitates Rani on Stage
A video from the festival, which circulated widely on social media, showed Rekha felicitating Rani Mukerji with a traditional Banarasi shawl, with the younger actress responding with a warm embrace. Rani appeared in a striking red suit, while Rekha was draped in her signature Kanjivaram saree — a visual contrast that drew considerable attention online.
Vaibhavi and Rani: A Long Creative Partnership
The bond between Vaibhavi Merchant and Rani Mukerji extends well beyond this festival moment. The two have collaborated on several memorable projects over the years. Merchant choreographed three contrasting dance sequences for Rani in the 2012 film Aiyyaa — 'Dreamum Wakeupum', 'Sava Dollar', and 'Aga Bai Halla Machae Re' — each showcasing a different facet of Rani's range as a performer.
Their creative association also includes Dil Bole Hadippa! and more recently Bunty Aur Babli 2, for which Merchant choreographed the track 'Tattoo Waaliye' featuring Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan.
Where Rani Mukerji Stands Professionally
With over three decades in the Hindi film industry, Rani Mukerji most recently appeared in the third instalment of the female cop franchise Mardaani. Her presence at IFFM 2026 underscores her continued standing as one of Bollywood's most enduring leading figures. The festival itself has become an important platform for celebrating Indian cinema's global reach.
Point of View
With Vaibhavi Merchant as the creative thread connecting both, reflects how Bollywood's institutional memory is being actively passed down at international platforms. What mainstream coverage tends to miss is that Merchant's choreography has been central to Rani's most physically expressive roles; her presence at Melbourne is as much a creative reunion as a festival appearance. As Indian cinema courts global audiences, these cross-generational moments carry soft-power weight that goes beyond the frame.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 involving Rani Mukerji and Rekha?
At IFFM 2026, veteran actress Rekha felicitated Rani Mukerji with a Banarasi shawl in a moment captured on video that subsequently went viral. Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant also shared candid photos from the event featuring both actresses.
Who is Vaibhavi Merchant and what is her connection to Rani Mukerji?
Vaibhavi Merchant is one of Bollywood's leading choreographers, known for her work across major Hindi films. She has collaborated with Rani Mukerji on several projects, including Aiyyaa (2012), Dil Bole Hadippa!, and Bunty Aur Babli 2.
Which dance numbers did Vaibhavi Merchant choreograph for Rani Mukerji in Aiyyaa?
Merchant choreographed three contrasting dance sequences for Rani in the 2012 film Aiyyaa — 'Dreamum Wakeupum', 'Sava Dollar', and 'Aga Bai Halla Machae Re'.
What was Rani Mukerji's most recent film before IFFM 2026?
Rani Mukerji was most recently seen in the third instalment of the Mardaani franchise, the female cop drama series in which she plays the lead role.
What is the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne?
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is an annual event held in Melbourne, Australia, that celebrates Indian cinema and its global reach. It serves as a platform for honouring both veteran and contemporary talent from the Hindi film industry.
