Rani to raise tricolour in Melbourne

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) recently announced actor Rani Mukerji as its chief guest for this year. As per tradition, the chief guest of the festival hoists the Indian national flag in Australia at Melbourne’s main public square

This year, Rani, who is also nominated in the Best Actress category for an IFFM Award for her last release Hichki, will do the honours.

The actor who is looking forward to the event, feels, “To unfurl the national flag is a matter of pride and great honour for every Indian; and to be a part of such a prestigious occasion and hoist the tricolour in a foreign country is even more special. I’m delighted, honoured and extremely humbled that they have chosen me to do the honours this year. I’m really looking forward to being there at Federation Square in the company of all the Indian-Australian people.”

Last year, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the chief guest at the same function in Melbourne.

A source says, “Rani will hoist the flag in front of thousands of Indian Australians and Indian diaspora, who’ll throng Federation Square to see the hoisting of the Indian national flag on Saturday, August 11. Taking into consideration the weekend, every year IFFM celebrates the Indian Independence week at the iconic landmark. Rani will be in the company of the High Commissioner of India in Australia and The Mayor of Melbourne.”

The IIFM will be celebrated from August 10 to August 22 under the unifying theme of inclusion with an array of curated films, panel discussions, master classes and Q&A sessions.

To unfurl the national flag is a matter of pride and great honour for every Indian; and to be a part of such a prestigious occasion and hoist the tricolour in a foreign country is even more special.

RANI MUKERJI, ACTOR

Rani Mukerji is also nominated for the Best Actress award at the IFFM for her role in Hichki