Indian actress Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar are set to deliver a keynote address at the Australian Parliament House on 13th August, just days before the 15th annual Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) kicks off on 15th August, according to Variety exclusive report.
Their invitation to speak comes shortly after a new co-production treaty between India and Australia was ratified, underscoring the growing collaboration between the two countries. Mukerji and Johar will discuss the influential role of cinema in bridging cultures and connecting audiences across borders.
Rani Mukerji, celebrated for her powerful roles in films such as Black, Hichki, and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, has been a stalwart in Bollywood since the late 1990s. Karan Johar, who made his directorial debut with the iconic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai—which featured Mukerji alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Salman Khan—has since become one of Indian cinema’s most prominent figures, with a multifaceted career as a director, producer, and media personality.
Expressing her pride in representing Indian cinema on such a prestigious platform, Mukerji said, “I’m proud to represent the Indian film fraternity at the Australian Parliament House and speak about the rich history of cinema that we have offered to the world at large. This is a milestone moment for our fraternity, and it would be an honor for me to speak about the growing cultural ties between Australia and India through cinema.”
She further highlighted the global impact of Indian cinema, said, “Indian cinema comprising Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Hindi, and others, is right now at the forefront of shaping pop culture worldwide with our talent, our films making a mark globally. Our films bring a lot of joy to the world, our films bring a lot of color in people’s lives.”
Karan Johar, also expressed his excitement about the opportunity, said, “I am deeply honored to be invited to speak at the Australian Parliament House. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic event and to celebrate the incredible journey of Indian cinema.”
Reflecting on the global reach of Indian storytelling, Johar added, “It’s incredible to see how far the stories we as an industry create travels, and this moment is a testament to the growing influence of the cultural impact of Indian cinema. I’m grateful to the house, the members of the parliament for extending this invite and to have me represent the rich legacy of cinema and storytelling.”
The keynote is anticipated to attract a notable audience, including members of parliament, ministers, and other dignitaries.
IFFM festival director Mitu Bhowmik Lange remarked, “This is a landmark year for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne as we celebrate our 15th year. Having Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar as keynote speakers at the Australian Parliament House is a testament to the festival’s growing influence and recognition.”
About Author
Leave a Reply