By Deepa Damle

Every year, I look forward to attending the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for a variety of reasons. Meeting some of Indian Cinema’s finest actors, directors, producers and even film critics is obviously the biggest reason of them all. But, the dance competition and the wonder movies that are screened during the festival are soon become a reason big enough as well. Notice how I said Indian Cinema, and not just Bollywood. This is because, as the film fraternity themselves said it at the press conference and chat shows at IFFM, cinema transcends language. It was brilliant to see movies in Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Kashmiri, Marathi, Rajasthani, Kannada and even Sinhalese among others, being screened across theatres in Melbourne. This is a cinema lover’s dream when there is such a plethora of genres and variety at your disposal. Spoilt for choice…would be an understatement.

The curtain raiser was very aptly held at the Immigration Museum this year, with the Long Room aptly lit up in the ‘Tiranga’ colours. It was a fun evening, listening to Rajeev Masand chat with the lovely and effervescent Rani Mukherjee, then with the witty and awesome conversationalist Karan Johar, and last but definitely not the least…with the young, handsome and successful boy from Gwalior – Kartik Aryan! While Rani impressed with anecdotes from her various films and how she is focussed on roles that showcase women empowerment, the film maker in Karan Johar impressed the crowd with his honest quirky remarks and his eloquence. ‘Satyaprem Ki Kahani’ had been screened the night before as part of IFFM, and already Kartik Aryan had received so many marriage proposals from Australia…but given the screams and the gasps from the ladies upon his entrance, it was no surprise that Rajeev’s conversation with Kartik was the highlight of the night.

The award night featured some of Indian Cinema’s hip and happening stars, including the enthusiastic host Rithvik Dhanjani, the gorgeous female actors Mrunal Thakur, Bhoomi Pednekar and Rani Mukherjee, and the extremely talented male actors Vijay Varma and Kartik Aryan, to name a few. The graceful and super talented Shabana Azmi led the honours at the flag hoisting event and Malaika Arora was once again doing what she does best, judging the local talent in Melbourne at the Dance Competition. The witty and suave Abhishek Bachchan made his presence felt at the World Premiere of his latest movie Ghoomer, which is creating ripples in the theatres.

IFFM is the brainchild of Mitu Bhowmick-Lange, and anyone that has met her once, knows she has a brilliant vision that is matched with tremendous enthusiasm and hard work. IFFM is so much more than just a party, it is a medium where independent and upcoming movie makers are also appreciated, including local talent from Australia. It has become a medium to unite the two countries, Australia and India, on a whole different level.

Thank you IFFM, Mitu Bhowmick and Mind Blowing Films for bringing so much joy and promoting art and cinema in Australia. Looking forward to attending the next one in 2024!!!