Aishwarya to hoist Indian flag at IFFM in Australia, be felicitated by govt

Mumbai: Some of the biggest stars of Bollywood have been nominated for the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), but the event promises to be much more than that.

Not just awards, the IFFM is the biggest annual celebration of Indian cinema in Australia, which highlights the diversity in the films of our country.

With India completing 70 years of Independence this year, the IFFM will also hold a special event to commemorate the occasion, 'India at 70', where Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be the star attraction.

The actress will be hoisting the Indian flag at the pulse point of Melbourne - The Federation Square, becoming the first Indian woman to do so.

Aishwarya will also be felicitated for her contribution to global cinema by the Australia government at the awards night on August 11.

Speaking about Aishwarya's attendance, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Festival Director, said, "The Indian film festival of Melbourne is honoured to welcome Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as our much loved guest to IFFM this year. She's a global icon and extremely loved by the audiences in Australia. It will be a proud moment for all Indians when she becomes the first Indian woman to hoist the national flag at the pulse point of Melbourne - the Federation Square. In light of her incredible contribution to world cinema, she will be felicitated by the government which we are all looking forward to.”

On the professional front, Aishwarya will next be seen in 'Fanney Khan' opposite Anil Kapoor.