Celebrating 100 years of cinema, The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne pays special tribute to veteran Yash Chopra, where the Victorian Government will bestow upon him an honorary title of “Father of Contemporary Indian Cinema” courtesy his strong ties with the region and constant support to the festival.

The festival will be attended by the late director-producer’s wife Pamela Chopra, who will be present to collect the award. If that wasn’t all, the Agora Cinema in Melbourne is also being renamed as the Yash Chopra Cinema which will also be opened by Pamela Chopra on 6th May.

Said Pamela Chopra, “Yashji had a close connection with the IFFM. He was happy to support it as he believed in promoting Indian films in foreign countries. I am grateful to the festival and the Victorian government for this honour and happy to travel to Melbourne to collect the same and keep the support and connection alive,”

Stated Mitu Bhowmick Lange, IFFM festival director, “We have been fortunate to enjoy the support and guidance of Yash Chopra. He had very strong ties with Victoria as well, having shot two films, Salaam Namaste (2005) and Chak De! India here. We all miss him very much and this is our small tribute to our much loved festival patron”.

The legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra passed away on 21st Oct 2012.