The International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 kicked off with grandeur as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the red carpet event at Bharat Mandapam on Tuesday. The festival opened to a packed audience, setting a vibrant tone for what is being seen as one of the capital’s biggest cinematic gatherings.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent film personalities, including Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore, Kangana Ranaut, and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, among others. The inaugural lamp was ceremonially lit by the Chief Minister along with ministers Kapil Mishra and Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, alongside leading actors, marking the official commencement of the festival.
Adding a cultural touch to the evening, the ceremony began with a tribute celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram, grounding the event in a moment of national pride and reflection. The evening also honored cinematic legends, with Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, and Nandamuri Balakrishna for their outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
The opening film, Sirat, directed by Oliver Laxe, brought international prestige to the festival’s first night. A Cannes Jury Prize winner and Academy Award nominee, the film set a global tone for IFFD 2026, reflecting the festival’s ambition to bridge Indian audiences with acclaimed international cinema.
Organised by Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, the week-long festival will run across multiple venues in New Delhi until March 31. With screenings, masterclasses, panel discussions, and cultural events lined up, IFFD 2026 aims to foster meaningful dialogue within the film industry. With a strong opening day that drew crowds and sparked conversations, the festival is already shaping up to be a significant cultural fixture in the city’s calendar.