The iconic actress, Shabana Azmi, added a vibrant touch to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023. With immense pride and emotion, she hoisted the Indian flag, symbolizing the country’s rich heritage and unity.
As the Tricolour soared high against the picturesque backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline, attendees felt an overwhelming sense of patriotism and kinship.
Shabana Azmi, visibly moved by the occasion, expressed her feelings, saying, “Receiving the privilege to raise our cherished Indian flag, a symbol that every one of us gathered here deeply reveres, here in Melbourne, is a surreal experience I hadn’t imagined for myself.”
She further highlighted the essence of the event, asserting, “Our collective presence here isn’t just to revel in the festivities, but to also commemorate the far-reaching impact of Indian cinema. Art, I truly believe, transcends borders and, in its unique way, initiates meaningful societal transformation.”
Running from the 11th to the 20th of August, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 serves as a global beacon for Indian cinematic excellence. It throws the spotlight on the multifaceted nature of Indian cinema, celebrating its nuances and vibrancy.
At this edition of IFFM, a host of Indian luminaries received accolades for their unparalleled contributions to the film world. Rani Mukerji earned the title of Best Actress In Film (Female) for her riveting performance in ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’.
Similarly, Vijay Varma and Mohit Agarwal clinched top honours as Best Actor (Male) In Series for ‘Dahaad’ and Best Performance in Film (Male) for ‘Agra’ respectively.
On the directorial front, Prithvi Konanur stood out, bagging the Best Director accolade. Films ‘Sita Ramam’ and ‘Agra’ were crowned as Best Film and Best Indie Film, respectively.
The world of series also had its stars; Vijay Varma and Rajshri Deshpande received accolades for their stellar performances in ‘Dahaad’ and ‘Trial By Fire’.
The lavish period drama ‘Jubilee’, boasting a stellar cast including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Aditi Rao Hydari, was hailed as the Best Series of the festival.
