IFFD 2026: Sharmila Tagore, Kangana Ranaut, Vicky Kaushal And Other Stars Grace Glittering Opening Ceremony

The International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 opened to a full house at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan on Tuesday evening. The opening night saw a attendance from across the Indian film industry. Noted actors, filmmakers, producers and cultural figures made their presence felt.

The red carpet featured Arjun Kapoor, Nimrat Kaur, Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Lauren Gottlieb, Sharmila Tagore, Vivek Oberoi, Esha Gupta, Shweta Basu Prasad Nandamuri Balakrishna, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Arvind Swamy and Ajay Bijli, among others. The ceremony started off with a rendition of "Vande Mataram," a song resonating with our cultural identity for 150 years. The inaugural lamp was lit by Hon’ble Chief Minister Rekha Gupta; Hon’ble Ministers Kapil Mishra and Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma.

Joining them on stage were actors Hema Malini, Kangana Ranaut and Sharmila Tagore, and other dignitaries, marking the formal opening of IFFD 2026. 

The Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, and Nandamuri Balakrishna, recognizing the contributions of these stalwarts to Indian cinema. After the inauguration, stakeholders from various industries discussed collaborations with a focus on storytelling, and growing popularity of Indian Cinema. 

Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, said, “Delhi is the heart of the country, a city that embraces everyone and carries both history and hope. With this film festival, we are not just hosting an event but shaping a new cultural identity for the capital. Cinema has the power to inspire, to connect, and to tell stories that become people’s dreams. This festival will be a platform for new artists, filmmakers and especially women to showcase their talent. We are committed to making Delhi a true creative capital, known for its energy, stories, and spirit.” 

Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Delhi, said, “IFFD was first envisioned during the budget discussions last year and has been realised under the leadership of the Chief Minister. We are committed to establishing Delhi not just as a political capital but as a cultural capital of India. In the coming years, we will take this festival to the next level with clear objectives to showcase how Delhi is utilising world-class infrastructure like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi and to position the city as a preferred global destination for tourism and film shooting.”

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, film director, said, “The International Film Festival of Delhi is not just an event; it’s a platform, a space where we arrive with curiosity and leave with courage. Cinema doesn’t just entertain; it provokes, moves and awakens something within us, pushing us to see the world and ourselves differently. Through IFFD, we aim to connect Indian talent with global audiences, because when you tell the truth of your world, you touch someone else’s too.” 

Suneel Anchipaka, MD & CEO, DTTDC, said, “We are not inaugurating just an event; we are declaring Delhi as the birthplace of storytelling. As storytelling shapes how the world sees Bharat, we are building cultural sovereignty by enabling Indian stories across cinema and emerging creative industries to reach global audiences. Delhi is making a clear commitment to become a true hub for storytelling, where every frame carries purpose.”

Vicky Kaushal said, “I am delighted to be here and to welcome you all to the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026. This festival marks a new foundation for cinema in Delhi, and the city has opened its arms to welcome cinema in all its richness and diversity.”

Sanya Malhotra said, “IFFD is bringing together different industries and perspectives on one platform, and that’s what makes it exciting. I’m looking forward to being part of the festival and seeing that exchange unfold.”

Imtiaz Ali said, “I’m looking forward to having an honest and cinematic chat with my dear friend and much-respected film director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra on the 31st of March. I feel such conversations can open doors in the mind. Excited to be a part of IFFD.”

The opening film, Sirât, directed by Oliver Laxe, brought strong international attention to the festival’s first night. A Cannes Jury Prize winner and Academy Award nominee, the film sets a global tone for IFFD 2026, signalling the festival’s intent to connect Delhi audiences with some of the most acclaimed contemporary cinema.

The event was organized by Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi. It will run till March 31 across multiple venues in the city. Along with film screenings, the coming days will feature masterclasses, panel discussions, and curated cultural events aimed at fostering collaborations in the Indian film industry.