The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the biggest celebration of Indian cinema outside of India, is all set to kick off its highly anticipated annual event from the 11th to the 20th of August this year. As part of its grand celebrations, the festival has announced that the esteemed Indian actress, Shabana Azmi, will do the distinguished honour of hoisting the Indian national flag on the morning of 12th August, in commemoration of the Independence Day weekend in India.

Shabana Azmi, an iconic and legendary figure in Indian cinema, holds a prominent position in the hearts of movie enthusiasts worldwide. With her exceptional talent and profound performances, she has etched an indelible mark in the Indian film diaspora, making her one of the most celebrated actresses of her time. A recipient of five National Film Awards, her versatile roles in acclaimed films such as Sparsh, Arth, Masoom, City of Joy, Tehzeeb, and Midnight`s Children have not only won her numerous accolades but have also inspired a generation of actors and storytellers.