From left to right: Kirti Kulhari, Rani Mukerji, Vijay Varma, Pnakaj Tripathi, Rekha and Rishab Shetty, Indian film industry actors attending IFFM 2026. Credit: Puneet Dhingra (SBS Punjabi)
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 has kicked off, with several prominent names from the Indian film industry attending events across Melbourne. In this report, we bring you highlights from the festival’s Awards Night, Rani Mukerji receiving an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, and India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at Federation Square. It also features comments from Rani Mukerji and Pankaj Tripathi during events held as part of the festival.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026 has kicked off, with several prominent names from the Indian film industry attending events across Melbourne. In this report, we bring you highlights from the festival’s Awards Night, Rani Mukerji receiving an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, and India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at Federation Square. It also features comments from Rani Mukerji and Pankaj Tripathi during events held as part of the festival.
