Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan was honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema and his unmatched influence on the craft.
Abhishek Bachchan won the Best Actor (Male) – Film award for his performance in I Want to Talk, with a Special Mention going to Gugun Kigpen for Boong.
The winners reflected the diversity and depth of Indian talent today:
Best Film: Homebound
Best Director: Neeraj Ghaywan (Homebound)
Best Indie Film: Angammal
Best Actor (Male) – Film: Abhishek Bachchan (I Want to Talk)
Special Mention – Best Actor (Male) – Film: Gugun Kigpen (Boong)
Best Actor (Female) – Film: Geetha Kailasam (Angammal)
Best Series: Black Warrant
Best Actor (Male) – Series: Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok Season 2)
Best Actor (Female) – Series: Nimisha Sajayan (Dabba Cartel)
Excellence in Cinema: Aamir Khan
Leadership in Cinema: Arvind Swamy
Disruptor Award: Vir Das
Diversity in Cinema: Aditi Rao Hydari
Equality in Cinema: Baksho Bondi
Best Short Film (India): Kalar Pencils by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar
Best Short Film (Australia): Drifters by David Liu
Aamir Khan reflected on his win:
“I have been attracted to storytelling from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art, and this award wouldn’t have been possible without the writers, directors, co-stars, and audiences who’ve given me the chance to be part of so many stories.”
Arvind Swamy, honoured with the Leadership in Cinema Award, said:
“I’m still a student of cinema. If anyone offers me a role in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t do it—I always want roles that challenge me. I’m grateful for the recognition at IFFM 2025.”
Abhishek Bachchan became emotional after winning Best Actor, recalling his journey:
“Life has come full circle for me. In 2022, I was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at this very festival. To now win Best Actor here for a film so close to my heart is deeply emotional. Shoojit Da offered me this role three years ago in Melbourne, and he believed in me when I doubted myself. This role is an ode to my father and my daughter, because it’s about caring for and raising a parent.”
Now in its 16th edition, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has once again brought together filmmakers, actors, and audiences in a shared celebration of creativity, culture, and cinematic excellence. Cementing its place as the largest Indian film festival outside India, the event will run until 24 August, with Homebound closing the festival.
