International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 Receives 2,187 Entries from Over 100 Countries; Sharmila Tagore to be Honoured

Mumbai: The International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 is set to transform the national capital into a global cinema hub from March 25 to 31. The festival has received an overwhelming response, with a total of 2,187 entries from more than 100 countries, including 1,372 international and 815 Indian feature and non-feature films.

The festival will be primarily hosted at Bharat Mandapam, with additional screenings planned across multiplexes and open public venues in the city to ensure wider accessibility and audience engagement.

With the aim of establishing Delhi as a major cultural destination, the festival has been carefully curated to include a diverse mix of films—40% Hindi cinema, 30% international films, and 30% Indian regional cinema. Beyond mainstream content, the festival will also showcase films in special categories such as patriotic, spiritual, and children’s cinema, fostering meaningful collaboration between Bollywood artists and global filmmakers.

A key highlight of the event will be the recognition of contributions to cinema. Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore will be honoured at IFFD 2026 for her outstanding and decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.

The honour will be conferred during the festival at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, celebrating a personality whose influence on Indian cinema remains significant even today.

Expressing her gratitude, Sharmila Tagore said, “Film festivals are platforms where cinema from across the world comes together under one roof. I am delighted to be a part of the International Film Festival of Delhi and truly grateful for this honour. I look forward to celebrating diverse stories and voices that make cinema so special.”

Renowned for her remarkable work in both Hindi and Bengali cinema, Sharmila Tagore is regarded as one of the most enduring and influential figures in Indian film history. Known for her grace, powerful performances, and strong screen presence, she has collaborated with some of the most celebrated filmmakers in India and has been part of films that continue to shape cinematic discourse decades after their release.

The honour at IFFD 2026 is not only a recognition of her illustrious career but also a tribute to the lasting impact she has had on generations of filmmakers, artists, and audiences.