Aamir Khan inaugurates Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 with Gauri Spratt; unveils opening night film Baksho Bondi

The 16th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) commenced with a grand opening as Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan officially inaugurated the event on August 14, 2025. Upholding a cherished Indian tradition, the actor lit the ceremonial lamp — a symbolic gesture of new beginnings and cultural pride. In a mark of respect for the custom, Khan removed his shoes before lighting the lamp, drawing applause from the audience.

The evening’s celebrations were further elevated when Aamir Khan introduced the highly anticipated Opening Night Film Baksho Bondi. The screening took place in the presence of the film’s cast and crew, including acclaimed actors Tillotama Shome and Jim Sarbh, who also serves as the film’s producer. The occasion set an enthusiastic tone for the eleven-day festival, which runs from August 14 to 24, and brings together filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers from across the globe.

Speaking at the inauguration, Aamir Khan shared, "It is truly an honour to open the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It’s great here to be here celebrating cinema that brings us all together. I have been meaning to come here for the longest time and I’m glad I could finally make it. All my colleagues always spoke highly of the warmth of IFFM and I can now truly feel it coming my way. I wish the team of Baksho Bondi and all other films at the festival, all the very best and I hope the Melbourne audiences enjoy these films and cinema.”

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange also expressed her excitement over the festival’s opening, stating, "Having Aamir Khan inaugurate IFFM 2025 is an immense honour for us. Baksho Bondi is the perfect Opening Night Film — it’s bold, it’s moving, and it showcases the kind of storytelling we love to champion. Seeing talents like Tillotama Shome, Jim Sarbh, Tanushree Das here in Melbourne is a testament to how far Indian cinema has reached. This year’s festival is about celebrating that reach and about using cinema to connect hearts across continents.”

With an extensive line-up featuring film screenings, masterclasses, and cultural showcases, IFFM 2025 is set to deliver one of its most memorable editions yet. The festival continues to serve as a dynamic platform for both Indian and global cinema, fostering artistic exchange and cultural connection on Australian soil.

Also Read: Aamir Khan reveals he didn’t charge a penny for Coolie; “Sharing the screen with Rajni sir is reward enough”

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