Actress Rasika Dugal has reflected on her memorable experiences at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026, recalling a special screening of Umrao Jaan with veteran actress Rekha and an emotional story shared by Rani Mukerji.
Sharing a series of photographs from the festival on social media, Rasika described the Melbourne experience as deeply inspiring despite the demanding schedule of long flights, events and back-to-back commitments.
One of the highlights for her was watching Umrao Jaan alongside Rekha, who played the iconic titular character in the 1981 classic. Rekha was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema award at IFFM 2026, where the film also received a special screening.
Sharing a photograph with Rekha, Rasika wrote, “Watching Umrao Jaan with Rekha ji. And with an audience that completed dialogues and sang along with the songs.”
Reflecting on the film’s enduring impact 45 years after its release, she added, “That a film can have that kind of impact 45 years after it was made… yes, what we do is worth it.”
Rasika also recalled hearing Rani Mukerji narrate a personal experience about not being selected to play Shakuntala in a school play. The story struck a personal chord with Rasika.
“Listening to Rani Mukerji share a beautiful story about not being cast as Shakuntala in a school play — which I resonated with completely. Turns out all of us have a Shakuntala story,” she wrote.
Mukerji’s anecdote came during a significant IFFM visit for the actress, who was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Australia’s La Trobe University on August 14.
Mukerji became emotional while accepting the honour, which recognised her nearly three-decade contribution to Indian cinema, along with her humanitarian work and advocacy concerning women, children and communities.
She became the second Indian film personality after Shah Rukh Khan to receive an honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University and described the recognition as “one of the most humbling moments” of her life.
For Rasika, IFFM 2026 was also a moment of professional recognition. She won the Best Actress award in the series category for Delhi Crime 3.
