Actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan will perform the flag hoisting at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) during the festival’s Independence Day celebration this August. This ceremony, an important tradition at IFFM, unites the Indian diaspora and global film community to honor India’s cultural heritage and national pride. The event highlights the strong bond between Indian cinema and audiences worldwide, emphasizing the role of the festival in showcasing India’s diverse artistic expressions.
Significance of the Festival and Government Support
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, supported by the Government of Victoria, has grown to become the largest Indian film festival outside of India. It serves as a platform to promote Indian cinema’s rich variety of languages and regions, welcoming noted Indian artists each year. The festival celebrates the expanding influence of Indian films on an international scale and fosters cross-cultural exchange among filmmakers, audiences, and communities.
Aamir Khan’s Role Symbolizes Inclusive Storytelling
Aamir Khan’s role in leading the flag hoisting is seen as a meaningful addition to the festival’s ongoing mission. Known for his work in both mainstream and socially impactful cinema, Khan represents the values of inclusivity and powerful storytelling that IFFM champions. His presence enhances the event’s message of unity and reflects the festival’s commitment to diverse cultural representation.
The Emotional Weight of the Ceremony
Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange described the flag hoisting’s deep emotional importance at IFFM, saying,
The flag hoisting ceremony at IFFM is more than just a formal tradition it’s a deeply emotional and unifying experience. Seeing the Tiranga unfurl on foreign soil, surrounded by artists, filmmakers, and members of the Indian and Australian communities, fills our hearts with pride. Having Aamir Khan, whose voice vision and cinema has had a profound impact on generations of film lovers not just in India but globally, lead this moment is truly a rare honour. His presence represents the strength and integrity of Indian storytelling and the values we stand for at IFFM, equality and unity in diversity. We look forward to welcoming audiences from all walks of life to witness this inspiring moment.
—Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director
Festival Highlights and Cultural Engagement
IFFM 2025 will present over 75 films across 31 languages, along with numerous panels, masterclasses, and cultural events. The festival continues its tradition of building bridges between filmmakers and audiences, encouraging cultural dialogue through the universal language of cinema. This year’s lineup further reinforces IFFM’s role as a premier event that celebrates Indian film’s global impact and artistic diversity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who had a crush on Aamir Khan?
A. Rani Mukerji has admitted she once had a crush on Aamir Khan.
Q. Who is Aamir Khan’s love life?
A. Aamir Khan has been married two times before, and he gets along well with his former wives, Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao. Just before turning 60 on March 14, 2025, Aamir introduced his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, to everyone.
Q. Who is the mystery woman in Aamir Khan?
A. Introducing Gauri Spratt, Aamir’s significant other. Gauri is not connected to the film industry, adding interest to her relationship with Aamir. Originally from Bangalore, she has mostly stayed out of the Bollywood spotlight throughout her life.
