Bollywood stars kick off the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, now in its 13th year, was kicked off in a grand manner by an array of stars of Indian cinema at an iconic landmark venue in Melbourne, Australia. Check out the pictures here.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, now in its 13th year, was kicked off in a grand manner by an array of stars of Indian cinema at an iconic landmark venue in Melbourne, Australia. Credit: Special Arrangement

The festival returns after being held online for two years, with the physical festival starting today. It will sum up on August 20. Credit: Special Arrangement

Present at the official launch were Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shefali Shah, singer Sona Mohapatra and filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Kabir Khan, Aparna Sen, Nikkhil Advani and Shoojit Sircar. Credit: Special Arrangement

Bollywood actors took the podium in presence of a special audience to announce this years program schedule with Taapsee Pannu’s Dobaaraa being the opening night film. Credit: Special Arrangement

Other exciting events lined up apart from the screening of over 120 films are the Independence Day Celebrations, an array of panel discussions amongst other specially curated events. Credit: Special Arrangement

Abhishek Bachchan said, “I’m finally here in Melbourne and I’m absolutely loving it. I’m looking forward to watch Dobaaraa. My almost entire family has represented India here and I’m very proud of it. I’m looking forward to being part of all the celebrations and I thank the government and Mitu to have me here. It feels great to be given the Leadership in Cinema award”. Credit: Special Arrangement

Filmmaker Kabir Khan attends the The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne inaugural event. Credit: Special Arrangement

Tamannaah and Taapsee pose together during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne inauguration in Melbourne. Credit: Special Arrangement

Taapsee Pannu ups her fashion game at the IFFM. Credit: Special Arrangement

Singer Sona Mohapatra gets clicked during the IFFM event in Australia. Credit: Special Arrangement