The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards 2023 is gearing up for a grand showcase as it marks its 15th edition. Organizers revealed yesterday that celebrated films such as Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies,” Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail,” and Jeo Baby’s “Kaathal—The Core” are leading the pack of nominees. The festival will kick off on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, and will run until August 25. The eagerly awaited winners will be announced on September 16 at the annual gala night held at the iconic Palais Theatre in Melbourne.
In addition to the frontrunners, the Best Film category also features formidable competitors like “Amar Singh Chamkila,” “Chandu Champion,” “Dunki,” “Jawan,” “Maharaja,” and “Premalu.” This diverse selection underscores the richness and variety in contemporary Indian cinema, promising a tough battle for the coveted awards.
### Celebrities in the Spotlight
In the realm of personal revelations, Deepika Padukone, who is soon expecting her first child, has shared her love for nature on social media. She frequently posts pictures of the sky, flowers, or the ocean, which she finds therapeutic and relaxing. Deepika attributes this love for nature to her father, who taught her the significance of spending time outdoors. “I find spending time outdoors and in nature truly relaxing and therapeutic. I take a few moments and step away to a place that feels completely different from the space I spend most of my time in,” she wrote.
### Action on Set
Alia Bhatt is back in action, literally, as she begins filming for the spy thriller “Alpha.” After undergoing a rigorous four-month training regimen, Alia has started shooting for the film from July 5. A source close to the project indicated that Alia will be performing five to six major high-octane action sequences and has pushed her body to its limits to achieve the necessary physicality for her role. The film has been officially titled recently and will also feature Sharvari.
### Courtside Glamour
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani were recently spotted at the quarter-finals of Wimbledon 2024 in London. Sidharth shared their experience on social media, posting, “A day to remember! Witnessed great tennis and sportsmanship at Wimbledon 2024 with my partner-in-crime Kiara Advani. Watching Wimbledon’s energy live from centre court was surreal and special.
.” The couple had also been in the news due to a peculiar fan story alleging that Malhotra was being blackmailed by Advani, although the rumor was unfounded.
### Meanwhile in Munich
Far from the speculative headlines about her pregnancy, Katrina Kaif is currently enjoying some downtime in Munich, Germany. The superstar took to social media to share picturesque images from her vacation spot, greeting her followers early in the day. Her husband, Vicky Kaushal, who is gearing up for his next release “Bad Newz,” slated for release on July 19, responded to her post with a series of emojis.
### King Khan’s Warm Gesture
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan endeared himself to fans once again during a shopping trip in New York with his daughter Suhana. The duo was spotted by an Indian content creator, who goes by the name Bunty Bhaiya, at a footwear store. When a follower questioned if Shah Rukh Khan was rude during the encounter, Bunty clarified, “He wasn’t. He was talking to everyone who approached them.” King Khan, who was last seen in “Jawan,” has a reputation for his gracious interactions with fans.
### Nostalgic Reflections
Television actress Juhi Parmar remains beloved for her role in the long-running show “Kumkum.” Over two decades since the show aired, she shared on social media that fans still refer to her as Kumkum. “It still feels like yesterday! Kumkum is a name that has become synonymous with Juhi. To date, when I walk on the streets, many of you address me as Kumkum. The song still gives me goosebumps as it brings back so many memories,” she wrote in a heartfelt post accompanied by the show’s title track.
### Awards Night Anticipation
As the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 approaches, the anticipation for the awards night is palpable. With such a stellar lineup of films and a plethora of beloved celebrities making headlines for various reasons, the festival promises to be a significant event in the global film calendar. Fans and critics alike eagerly await the announcement of the winners, who will undoubtedly celebrate the best of Indian cinema in an international arena.
