VETERAN diva Rekha will be seen as a guest of honour at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 and her 1981 film Umrao Jaan will be screenedat theevent.Theiconsays hercharacterhasneverlefther and that she lives in her memories and silence. Speaking on this, Rekha said in astatement:"UmraoJaanhasnever left me. She lives in my memories, in mysilences,andin theheartsofthosewho have embraced her with a lot of love over the years. To revisit that journey and see the film beingcelebrated on a global stage is both humbling and moving.” Umrao Jaan is a period musical drama film directed by Muzaffar Ali and starring Rekha as the title character. Based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's 1899 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, the film tells the story of a Lucknow tawaif and poet, and her rise to fame.The film has been feted with several honour.

 

At 29th National Film Awards, it won 4 awards, including Best Actress. The festival will also honour Rekha with theprestigiousExcellenceinCinemaAward, celebrating her unparalleled body of work, definitive performances, and extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema. Rekha 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." As part of the festival's cherished IndependenceDaytradition,Rekhawillhoist the Indian National Flag in Melbourne on 15th August, commemorating India's 79th IndependenceDay.The IndianFilmFestival of Melbourne, which will take place from 13 to 23 August 2026.