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IFFM 2026: Rani Mukerji, Dulquer Salmaan, Rekha and more honoured on opening night

Updated On: 14 August, 2026 01:34 PM IST | Amarylisa Gonsalves

The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2026) has kicked off on August 13, 2026. On Day 1, the festival hosted the grand opening night and the starry red carpet awards night at the Palais Theatre at St Kilda in Melbourne, with Rani Mukerji, Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, Rekha, Kirti Kulhari, Vijay Varma and Rasika Dugal among others taking home the evening’s top honours.

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01
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2026). Pics via Instagram
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2026). Pics via Instagram
02
Veteran actress Rekha received the Excellence in Cinema award for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Veteran actress Rekha received the Excellence in Cinema award for her contributions to Indian cinema.

03
Rani Mukerji received a special recognition for her 30 years in Indian cinema.

Rani Mukerji received a special recognition for her 30 years in Indian cinema.

04
Actress Kirti Kulhari took home the award for the Best Actress for her film Full Plate.

Actress Kirti Kulhari took home the award for the Best Actress for her film Full Plate.

05
Rishab Shetty bagged two awards, namely Leadership in Cinema and Best Director for his film Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1.  

Rishab Shetty bagged two awards, namely Leadership in Cinema and Best Director for his film Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1.

 

06
Dulquer Salmaan won Best Actor award for his performance in Kaantha.

Dulquer Salmaan won Best Actor award for his performance in Kaantha.

07
Pankaj Tripathi was named Artist of Distinction at the awards night.

Pankaj Tripathi was named Artist of Distinction at the awards night.

08
Vijay Varma took home the award for Best Performance (Male) Series at the IFFM Awards Night 2026 for Matka King.

Vijay Varma took home the award for Best Performance (Male) Series at the IFFM Awards Night 2026 for Matka King.

09
Mallaika Arora was seen attending the opening night with her rumoured boyfriend Harsh Mehta, who is a well-known diamond merchant.

Mallaika Arora was seen attending the opening night with her rumoured boyfriend Harsh Mehta, who is a well-known diamond merchant.

10
Rasika Dugal won the Best Performance (Female) Series for Delhi Crime: Season 3.

Rasika Dugal won the Best Performance (Female) Series for Delhi Crime: Season 3.

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Actress Saiyami Kher was also seen gracing the red carpet in a black cutout gown.

Actress Saiyami Kher was also seen gracing the red carpet in a black cutout gown.

12
Simran Mangeshkar received a Special Mention for her contribution to the film, Sitaare Zameen Par, while the film was awarded Equality in Cinema recognition.

Simran Mangeshkar received a Special Mention for her contribution to the film, Sitaare Zameen Par, while the film was awarded Equality in Cinema recognition.

13
Manushi Chhillar was also seen attending the event in a black and white polka dotted gown.

Manushi Chhillar was also seen attending the event in a black and white polka dotted gown.

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