The Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026, set to unfold over three days at Whistling Woods International from October 7 to 9, is not a celebration of fame — it’s a reckoning with craft. Subhash Ghai, the filmmaker behind decades of iconic moments, has assembled a rare gathering: Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Rana Daggubati, and Imtiaz Ali, each stepping into the spotlight not for a red carpet moment, but to speak directly to aspiring filmmakers. The festival’s structure is deliberate, one artist per day, one theme, one conversation. On October 7, Aamir Khan will take the stage to reflect on Sitaare Zameen Par, diving into the choices that shaped his performance and direction. The next day, Hema Malini will pay tribute to the late Dharmendraji in a special session, announcing a scholarship in his name through Whistling Woods International. A gesture that ties legacy to opportunity. Rana Daggubati joins the event on the same day, bringing his own journey from screen presence to narrative depth. Then on October 9, Imtiaz Ali will discuss Main Vaapas Aaunga, his latest film, offering insight into its storytelling architecture. Ghai himself will interact with 2,000 students across the festival, sharing reflections on his career and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. He announced the event on Instagram, writing: “Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026 at Whistling Woods International is on October 7, 8, 9th for all aspirants. With gratitude to great big-screen filmmakers, Aamir Khan: Sitaare Zameen Par on 7th Oct, Hema Malini and Rana Daggubati on 8 Oct, Imtiaz Ali: Main Wapas Aaunga on 9th Oct. And myself with gratitude too with you to interact with 2000 students.” The festival includes workshops, panel discussions, exhibits, and interactive classes. Not just talk, but engagement. This isn’t about star power. It’s about how stories are built, how careers are sustained, and how institutions can become vessels for future voices. For Ghai, it’s an extension of his lifelong belief in keeping filmmaking alive through dialogue, not just spectacle.
Photo via FilmfareGhai’s Festival: Aamir, Hema, Rana, Imtiaz Talk Craft
Subhash Ghai’s festival brings Aamir, Hema, Rana, and Imtiaz together for a rare behind-the-scenes look at Indian cinema’s evolving craft — not for glamour, but for grounding.
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