Melbourne’s vibrant Indian Film Festival (IFFM) 2025 kicked off with a special touch, thanks to Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. The actor, a familiar face on the global stage, arrived for the opening ceremony with Gauri Spratt. It wasn’t just another event; it was a grand start to a festival that aims to connect people and cultures. This year’s IFFM will run from August 14 to August 24, promising a rich showcase of cinematic stories.
Aamir took center stage to inaugurate the festival. He performed the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Before doing so, he removed his shoes, a simple yet powerful gesture. This act truly showed his respect for the customs and traditions, even on international soil. It set a warm and inviting tone for the days of cinema ahead.
Aamir’s Return and Reflections
Speaking at the ceremony, Aamir shared his deep pride. He said it was a huge honor to launch the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. He expressed his joy at being back in the city after many years. “Being here together, celebrating cinema, that’s really big,” he shared. He mentioned how his friends often praised IFFM. Now, experiencing it firsthand, he felt wonderful. He emphasized that the festival is a great initiative. It brings together diverse people and different cultures through film. He felt sure that the filmmakers and their movies would have a great time at the festival.
A New Film Unveiled
The evening also saw a special moment for movie buffs. Aamir Khan unveiled the much-anticipated film, ‘Baksho Bondi.’ He was joined by the film’s talented actors, Tillotama Shome and Jim Sarbh. Aamir offered his best wishes to the team behind ‘Baksho Bondi.’ He extended his good luck to all the other films featured at the festival. He was confident that the Melbourne audience would truly enjoy these cinematic works.
A Grand Celebration of Cinema
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the festival director, expressed her delight. She said it was an honor to have Aamir Khan open IFFM 2025. She noted his presence brought extra prestige to the event. The festival aims to create a memorable experience for everyone. From August 14 to August 24, Melbourne will be buzzing with film screenings, discussions, and celebrations. It’s truly a celebration of stories and shared experiences.