Celebrating 25 Years of Lagaan: A Special Screening with Aamir Khan at LIFF
A Milestone Celebration for Lagaan
In London, a special IMAX screening of the iconic film Lagaan will take place, featuring an interaction with Aamir Khan, the film's lead actor and producer, to commemorate its 25th anniversary during the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF).
Now in its 17th year, the festival is set to kick off next week, showcasing the European premiere of 52 Blue, which stars Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia, directed by the renowned Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi.
LIFF 2026 will expand its reach to six cities across the UK and will present films in ten different languages, including a unique showcase of new Indian films that incorporate AI in their creative processes.
Aamir Khan expressed his gratitude, stating, "We created Lagaan with immense passion and belief, never anticipating the enduring love it would garner over the years. I am thrilled that this milestone is being honored with a screening at the BFI (British Film Institute). It’s heartwarming to see Lagaan resonate with audiences across generations and borders."
In addition to the classic film, the festival will also feature the international debut of Priyankka Saha's first feature film, Anmol: Lovingly Yours, which challenges young parents to confront their beliefs when their newborn's gender identity comes into question.
Saha shared her inspiration, saying, "I have long been captivated by a childhood story that was often whispered about. I aim to use my platform to highlight important social issues, amplify marginalized voices, and expand the horizons of cinematic storytelling."
The festival's 'Central Gala' will host a reunion of beloved South Asian comedians from the 1990s television series Goodness Gracious Me, including Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Nina Wadia, and Kulvinder Ghir.
The Restorations segment will showcase In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, a film written by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, depicting the relaxed student life at a Delhi architecture school during the mid-1970s.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, CEO and Programming Director of LIFF, remarked, "Bringing together a dazzling array of indie films from some of the world’s top film festivals for UK premieres at our five-city festival provides a unique experience for our audiences and highlights the rich creativity of the world's most populous region."
With events extending beyond London to include the Birmingham Indian Film Festival and the Manchester Indian Film Festival, as well as activities in Sheffield and Bradford, LIFF is recognized as Europe’s largest South Asian film festival.
This year also sees the return of the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, dedicated to supporting emerging South Asian filmmakers.