More than three decades after Damini hit theatres, Bollywood actor Meenakshi Seshadri revisited the iconic film on the big screen in Auckland, becoming visibly emotional as she watched it alongside an audience.
Seshadri, who had initially planned to attend only the red-carpet proceedings, decided to stay for the entire screening at Event Cinemas St Lukes on Thursday night. By the end of the film, the actor had tears in her eyes.
A nostalgic return to Damini
Addressing the audience, Seshadri revealed that it was the first time in more than two decades that she had watched Damini on the big screen. The screening offered her an opportunity to reconnect with one of the most significant films of her career.
Earlier in the evening, she appeared on the red carpet wearing a blue-green sari and reflected on her journey in the film industry and the enduring legacy of Damini.
Meenakshi Seshadri honoured for her contribution to Indian cinema
During the event, Forum Films director Pritesh Raniga presented Seshadri with the Legend of Indian Cinema Award in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema.
The screening also marked the launch of the Indian Cinema Showcase, a new film programme introduced as part of the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival. Supported by Screen Auckland and Auckland Council Events, the initiative is organised by Forum Films in partnership with Event Cinemas.
Indian Cinema Showcase expands Auckland's Diwali celebrations
The showcase aims to bring Indian and South Asian cinema into Auckland's wider Diwali celebrations, offering audiences opportunities to experience films across languages and genres.
Raniga highlighted the cultural significance of cinema for South Asian communities and explained the vision behind the initiative.
“Indian cinema is such a big part of how our communities experience culture, language and identity, so it felt natural to bring it into Auckland’s Diwali celebrations in a more meaningful way,” Raniga said.
“The idea is to take Diwali beyond the main festival weekend and give audiences a programme 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”.
The programme will run across Event Cinemas locations in Auckland throughout October and early November.
A diverse line-up of Indian and South Asian films
The showcase features a selection of films in Hindi, Punjabi and Nepali, among other languages. Drishyam: The Conclusion is scheduled for October 9–11, followed by the Punjabi sports drama Thaapi from October 16–18.
The line-up continues with Nayyi Navelli, Daudaak and Nepali film Kabaddi 5 from October 23–25. The programme will conclude with Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, scheduled for November 5–7.
Auckland Diwali Festival returns on October 31 and November 1
The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival will take place on October 31 and November 1 at Aotea Square and Queen Street in central Auckland.
First held in 2002 as a one-day event attended by around 1,000 people, the festival has grown into one of Auckland's major cultural celebrations, featuring music, dance, food and live performances.
The introduction of the Indian Cinema Showcase adds a new dimension to the festivities, extending the celebration of South Asian culture beyond the festival weekend.
For audiences at the Damini screening, however, the evening's standout moment was Seshadri's emotional reunion with a film that remains an important part of her cinematic legacy.
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