Aishwarya to be felicitated in Melbourne
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is Australia’s biggest annual celebration of Indian cinema. This unique cultural event celebrates the incredible diversity of Indian Cinema. And it’s for the first time that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be part of the event. Also, the actor will be felicitated for all her achievements at the Westpac IFFM Awards night on August 11. “Celebrating ‘India at 70!’ as a part of the festivals’ celebration of Indian cinema, Aishwarya will hoist the Indian national flag at Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square. She will be the first Indian woman to do so. Aishwarya is one of the first few female Indian actors to have efficiently made the crossover from Bollywood to Hollywood. She has helped pave the way for Indian actors in global cinema and personifies diversity owing to her global reach,” says a source.
Speaking about Aishwarya’s attendance, Mitu BhowmickLange, festival director, IFFM, says, “How wonderful and fitting it is that the 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations are ushered in by one of India’s most global faces, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. IFFM is proud to welcome one of India’s most loved and iconic actors to the festival and look forward to celebrating Indian cinema in Australia.”
Other Bollywood actors, too, will attend the festival, which will be held from August 10 to August 22. There will be a showcase of over 68 films — including features and documentaries — in 20 different languages. Apart from India, films from countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also be screened at the fest.