Rekha honoured with IFFM’s Excellence in Cinema award in Melbourne
Rekha has been honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026, marking one of the festival’s most significant recognitions for an Indian screen icon. The actor attended the event as Guest of Honour, with organisers positioning the tribute as a celebration of her five‑decade contribution to Indian cinema.
The festival hosted a special screening of ‘Umrao Jaan’, with Rekha participating in an extended interaction on the film’s legacy and her approach to performance. She is also scheduled to hoist the Indian National Flag during the Independence Day ceremony, a tradition reserved for distinguished guests at IFFM.
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Industry response to the honour has been strong, with the festival’s programming team highlighting Rekha’s influence across generations and her continued relevance in contemporary cultural discourse. The award forms part of IFFM’s broader focus on recognising artists whose work has shaped the evolution of Indian storytelling on screen.
