The festival is happening now. The names are confirmed. The dates are set. The only thing left is what the students will do with what they’ve heard.
Subhash Ghai’s Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026 is underway at Whistling Woods International, with the first of three days unfolding today. The event, running from October 7 to 9, brings together four distinct figures from Indian cinema — Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Rana Daggubati, and Imtiaz Ali, for a series of conversations, workshops, and student interactions.
Each day is dedicated to a different film. Aamir Khan opened proceedings on October 7, reflecting on Sitaare Zameen Par, his 2008 film that remains a touchstone for performance-driven storytelling. On October 8, Hema Malini honored the late Dharmendra in a special tribute, announcing a scholarship in his name through the institute.
Rana Daggubati also joined the stage that day, sharing insights into his career and iconic roles. The final day, October 9, features filmmaker Imtiaz Ali discussing Main Wapas Aaunga, a film known for its emotional depth and narrative boldness. Subhash Ghai himself is not just a host but an active participant, engaging directly with approximately 2,000 students and aspiring filmmakers throughout the festival.
He shared the announcement on Instagram, calling it a moment of gratitude: “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. We all are excited.” The festival is framed as an extension of Ghai’s lifelong commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema. It includes panel discussions, interactive classes, and exhibits exploring the evolving impact of film on screen and society.
While the lineup spans generations and genres, from the classical elegance of Hema Malini to the modernist sensibility of Imtiaz Ali. The common thread is direct access. No filters. No distance.
Just raw exchange between those who’ve shaped the industry and those who are building their own paths. The real story isn’t just what’s being said on stage. It’s what happens next in the notebooks, the classrooms, the dreams of the 2,000 students present. What will they do with this?
That’s the question the festival leaves behind.
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