'Umrao Jaan Has Never Left Me': Rekha On Iconic Film's Screening And Special Tribute At IFFM

Rekha, one of Indian cinema’s most timeless icons, is all set to attend the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFFM) as Guest of Honour, to hoist the Indian flag in Melbourne, and to be presented with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award. The festival will have a special screening of the legendary actress’ iconic film Umrao Jaan.

The special screening is set to celebrate Rekha’s unparalleled body of work and extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, and she herself will be present at the event.

Speaking about this heartfelt tribute, 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.”

She further continued and added, “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.”

One of Indian cinema’s most iconic and celebrated actors, Rekha, will attend the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 as its Guest of Honour, marking another landmark moment in the festival’s celebration of Indian cinema and culture on the global stage.

The timeless masterpiece Umrao Jaan, directed by Muzaffar Ali, is one of the defining films of her illustrious career and features a performance that remains among the finest in Indian cinema. The festival will also honour Rekha with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award, celebrating her extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema.

With a body of work that has inspired generations and performances that have become part of India’s cinematic legacy, Rekha remains one of the country’s most celebrated and influential artists. As part of the festival’s cherished Independence Day tradition, Rekha will hoist the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on August 15.

The festival’s annual flag-hoisting ceremony has previously been led by some of Indian cinema’s most iconic personalities, including late Rishi Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ram Charan, and filmmaker Karan Johar, making Rekha’s participation another historic chapter in the festival’s enduring legacy.