Rekha gives Pankaj Tripathi English lessons on stage at IFFM Melbourne, ‘Mirzapur’ actor jokes, ‘Main Hindi medium ka chatra hu galat bol dunga’

During the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), a delightful and humorous exchange unfolded between legendary actress Rekha and acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi, captivating audiences both in person and online. A video, subsequently shared by the festival organizers on Instagram, quickly went viral, showcasing Rekha playfully attempting to give Tripathi an impromptu English lesson.

The charming interaction began with Rekha, embodying the role of a warm but firm teacher, instructing Tripathi to repeat her English phrases. “Abhi main jo bolungi na Pankaj ji woh aap Angrezi main boliye (Now, whatever I say, you will say in English),” she announced with a smile. She then began, “To all the lovely people of Melbourne, to all the lovely people of Melbourne,” expecting Tripathi to follow suit in English. However, to the amusement of the audience, Pankaj, with his signature humility, repeated the phrase in Hindi.

Rekha, undeterred, gently corrected him, emphasizing the need for an English rendition. “No, in English. Come here and say, ‘To all the beautiful people of Melbourne’.” Tripathi’s response further endeared him to the crowd: “Ma’am, main Hindi medium ka chatra hun galat bol dunga (Ma’am, I am a Hindi medium student. I will say it wrong).” Despite his self-proclaimed limitations, Rekha persisted, and eventually, the two collaboratively delivered a heartfelt message to the attendees: “To all the lovely people of Melbourne. There is no business like show business. So, welcome to our world, and thank you so much for welcoming us to your world. Thank you so much. See you soon. Love you. Jai Hind.” This lighthearted moment perfectly encapsulated the camaraderie and warmth shared between these two respected Bollywood personalities.

Rekha’s presence at the IFFM extends beyond this charming interaction. She is a distinguished guest at the festival, where her iconic 1981 film, Umrao Jaan, is being specially screened. Directed by Muzaffar Ali and based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s classic Urdu novel “Umrao Jaan Ada,” the film was a critical success, earning four awards at the 29th National Film Awards, including the coveted Best Actress award for Rekha’s unforgettable performance.

In addition to the film screening, the festival is set to bestow a significant honor upon Rekha. She will be presented with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award, a testament to her profound and enduring contributions to Indian cinema over several decades. Furthermore, in line with IFFM’s tradition of commemorating India’s Independence Day, Rekha has the distinct privilege of hoisting the Indian national flag in Melbourne on August 15th, marking the nation’s 79th year of independence. The festival itself is scheduled to conclude on August 23rd.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Pankaj Tripathi is gearing up for his next major release, “Mirzapur: The Movie.” Directed by Gurmeet Singh, this highly anticipated film is slated to hit theaters on September 4, 2026, promising another compelling performance from the versatile actor.