The International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026, organised by the Delhi Tourism & Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) in association with the Government of Delhi, opened with a celebration of cinema and the artists who have shaped it. As part of its wider programme, the festival honoured three legendary figures of Indian film history with Lifetime Achievement Awards: Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, and Nandamuri Balakrishna, recognising their outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
The awards were presented at the inaugural function on Tuesday evening, 25 March 2026, at the Multipurpose Hall, Bharat Mandapam, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, attended by leading figures from the film fraternity, policymakers, and a large audience of cinema enthusiasts. The moment was met with a standing ovation, celebrating the enduring legacy of both actors across generations.
Read : International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 to Open with Grand Opening Ceremony at Bharat Mandapam
Dharmendra, one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic stars, was recognised for his decades-long career marked by memorable performances in classics across genres, earning him a place among the industry’s most beloved figures.
Nandamuri Balakrishna, a towering presence in Telugu cinema, was honoured for his prolific body of work and his significant impact on regional cinema, with a career spanning several decades and a strong fan following.
Legendary actor Sharmila Tagore was felicitated in recognition of her immense contribution to Indian cinema. One of the industry’s most enduring icons, Tagore’s career has spanned decades across both Hindi and Bengali cinema.
“Film festivals are vital spaces where cinema from across the world comes together in dialogue. I am delighted to be part of the International Film Festival of Delhi and deeply honoured by this recognition. I look forward to being at the festival and celebrating the diversity of stories and voices that make cinema so special,” said Sharmila Tagore.
Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore highlighted the creative freedom that comes with age as she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening of the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026, saying she considers her recent Bengali film ‘Puratawn’ among her finest works.
“It feels great, it feels absolutely great, because it gives an opportunity for people in Delhi to see different kinds of films, different language films. Like one of my Bengali films, Puratawn, 2025 film will be screening on the 29th, which we did, that was my last film a few years ago, not even a few, I mean, it’s a recent film. And I’m very happy I’ve done it, it’s very age appropriate, and it’s, I think, one of my best, if not the best,” Tagore told the media.
Known for her elegance, remarkable range, and commanding screen presence, Tagore has collaborated with some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, appearing in films that continue to shape cinematic conversations decades after their release.
Her recognition at IFFD 2026 goes beyond a tribute to artistic achievement; it is an acknowledgement of the lasting impression she has left on generations of filmmakers, actors, and audiences alike.
The recognition highlighted the festival’s commitment to celebrating cinematic excellence across industries and languages, bringing together legends of Indian cinema on a global platform.
