‘To unfurl the national flag is a matter of pride’

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) recently announced actor Rani Mukerji as the chief guest for this year. As per tradition, the chief guest of the festival is the one who hoists the Indian national flag at Melbourne’s main public square. This year, Rani who has also been nominated under the Best Actress category for an IFFM Award for her last release Hichki will do the honours. Last year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the chief guest at the same function.

A source reveals, “Rani will hoist the flag in front of thousands of Indian- Australians and people from the subcontinent diaspora who throng Federation square just to see the hoisting of their national flag on Saturday, August 11. Taking into consideration the weekend, every year IFFM ensures to celebrate the Indian Independence week at the iconic landmark. She will be in the company of the High Commissioner of India in Australia and The Mayor of Melbourne.”

Talking about it, Rani’s says, “To unfurl the national flag is a matter of pride and great honour for every Indian and to be a part of such a prestigious occasion and do the honours outside your nation in a foreign land, is even more special. I’m delighted, honoured and extremely humbled that they have chosen me to do the honours this year. I am really looking forward to be there at Federation Square in the company of all the Indian-Australian people.”

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will be celebrated from August 10 to 22 under the unifying theme of Inclusion with an array of excellent films, panel discussions, master classes and Q&As.