Auckland, New Zealand – October 10, 2026 – In a poignant and unexpected turn of events, veteran Bollywood actress Meenakshi Sheshadri found herself deeply moved as she revisited one of her most iconic films, "Damini," on the big screen in Auckland. More than three decades after the 1993 courtroom drama first captivated audiences, Sheshadri experienced the film anew, not as a participant in its creation, but as an audience member, eliciting a powerful emotional response that resonated with attendees.
The screening, held at Event Cinemas St Lukes on Thursday evening, was part of a larger initiative to celebrate Indian cinema and culture in New Zealand. While Sheshadri was initially slated to attend only for the red-carpet festivities, she made the spontaneous decision to stay and immerse herself in the full cinematic experience. The result was a deeply personal and public display of emotion, as tears welled up in her eyes while watching her younger self perform in the critically acclaimed film.
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A Milestone Moment: "Damini" Rediscovered
The impromptu decision to stay for the entire screening marked a significant personal milestone for Sheshadri. "It’s the first time in more than two decades that I have watched ‘Damini’ on the big screen," she shared with the captivated audience after the film concluded. This rare opportunity allowed the actress to reconnect with a pivotal work in her career, offering a unique perspective on her own performance and the enduring legacy of the film. Sitting amongst the appreciative Auckland audience, Sheshadri was able to witness firsthand the film’s continued impact, a testament to its powerful storytelling and her unforgettable portrayal of the titular character.
The evening began with Sheshadri gracing the red carpet in an elegant blue-green sari, exuding grace and poise. She engaged with the media and fans, reflecting on her illustrious journey in the Indian film industry and the profound significance of "Damini" in her career. The film, lauded for its progressive themes and strong female protagonist, remains a touchstone for many, and Sheshadri’s presence amplified its cultural resonance.
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Honoring a Legend: Meenakshi Sheshadri Receives "Legend of Indian Cinema" Award
The "Damini" screening was more than just a nostalgic viewing; it served as the inauguration of the Indian Cinema Showcase, a groundbreaking new film program designed to integrate Indian and South Asian cinematic experiences into Auckland’s vibrant Diwali celebrations. To commemorate this occasion and acknowledge Sheshadri’s indelible contribution to Indian cinema, Pritesh Raniga, Director of Forum Films, presented her with the prestigious "Legend of Indian Cinema Award."
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The Indian Cinema Showcase is a collaborative effort, backed by Screen Auckland and Auckland Council Events, and orchestrated by Forum Films in partnership with Event Cinemas. This initiative signifies a conscious move to broaden the scope of the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Indian and South Asian cinematic arts is recognized and celebrated alongside traditional cultural offerings.
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Expanding the Horizon: Indian Cinema Takes Center Stage at Auckland Diwali
The introduction of the Indian Cinema Showcase marks a significant expansion of the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival, aiming to weave the magic of Indian and South Asian films into the heart of Auckland’s cultural landscape. Pritesh Raniga articulated the vision behind this ambitious project, emphasizing the crucial role cinema plays in fostering cultural connections and preserving identity for South Asian communities.
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"Indian cinema is such a big part of how our communities experience culture, language, and identity," Raniga stated. "So, it felt natural to bring it into Auckland’s Diwali celebrations in a more meaningful way. The idea is to take Diwali beyond the main festival weekend and give audiences a program that reflects the diversity of Indian and South Asian cinema. We hope this is the beginning of something that becomes a regular part of Auckland Diwali."
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This sentiment underscores the belief that film serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression and engagement. By integrating a dedicated film program, Auckland’s Diwali celebrations are poised to offer a more holistic and immersive experience, catering to a wider range of interests and fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s diverse cultural heritage. The showcase is scheduled to run throughout October and into early November, utilizing various Event Cinemas locations across Auckland.
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A Kaleidoscope of South Asian Cinema
The Indian Cinema Showcase promises a rich and varied cinematic journey, featuring films from across numerous Indian and South Asian languages. This inclusive approach ensures that the program appeals to a broad spectrum of audiences and highlights the vastness and dynamism of the region’s film industries.
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The cinematic offerings began with the critically acclaimed thriller "Drishyam: The Conclusion," which was screened from October 9 to 11. Following this, audiences were treated to the Punjabi sports drama "Thaapi," running from October 16 to 18. The showcase continued its diverse programming with a selection of films including "Nayyi Navelli," "Daudaak," and the Nepali film "Kabaddi 5," which were screened from October 23 to 25.
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The program is strategically aligned to complement the main BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival weekend, ensuring that film enthusiasts can seamlessly integrate cinematic experiences into their festival plans. The showcase will culminate with the screening of "Ramayana: Rise of a Legend," scheduled from November 5 to 7, bringing a grand mythological epic to the screens.
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The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival: A Growing Cultural Phenomenon
The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival itself is a testament to the city’s multicultural vibrancy and its commitment to celebrating diverse traditions. Scheduled for October 31 and November 1, the festival will transform Aotea Square and Queen Street in central Auckland into a hub of cultural activity. What began in 2002 as a modest one-day event attended by approximately 1,000 people has blossomed into one of Auckland’s most significant and anticipated cultural gatherings, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees annually.
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While the festival is traditionally celebrated for its vibrant displays of music, dance, culinary delights, and live performances, the introduction of the Indian Cinema Showcase adds a compelling new dimension. It provides an opportunity for festival-goers to engage with the rich narrative traditions and artistic expressions that cinema offers, further enriching the overall festival experience.
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For those present at the "Damini" screening, however, the most profound and memorable aspect of the evening was undoubtedly Meenakshi Sheshadri’s deeply personal and emotional reaction to seeing her work projected on the large screen. Witnessing the actress reconnect with her younger self and a defining role in her career, amidst a supportive and appreciative audience, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of cinema and the artists who bring these stories to life. It was a moment that transcended mere film appreciation, becoming a celebration of artistic legacy and cultural connection.
