To mark International Women’s Day, the Austrian Cultural Forum and the Embassy of Austria in New Delhi, in collaboration with six Austrian Honorary Consulates across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, are organizing special screenings of the award–winning film Mehrunisa, directed by Austrian filmmaker of Indian origin Sandeep Kumar. The screenings will be hosted at venues provided by local women’s organizations.
This initiative aligns with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs’ commitment to supporting women’s rights, equality and empowerment and serve as a meaningful celebration of women’s achievements while strengthening Austrian–Indian cultural ties.
Mehrunisa is a 90-minute drama set in Lucknow that tells the story of an 80-year-old widow who decides to free herself from the lingering dominance of her late husband and reclaim her identity in her own eccentric way. In doing so, she challenges deeply rooted patriarchal norms and emerges as an unexpected role model for women.
The film features the late Farrukh Jaffar, one of India’s most celebrated actresses, in her first leading role at the age of 88. Jaffar’s distinguished career spanned more than four decades and included memorable performances in films such as Peepli Live, Swades, Sultan, Secret Superstar, and Photograph. Her role in Mehrunisa poignantly reflects the film’s theme of resilience and the challenges older actresses face in securing leading roles.
Writer and director Sandeep Kumar, based in Vienna, is known for films that explore themes of identity, migration, dignity and equality. His work has premiered at major international film festivals and received numerous awards.
Mehrunisa premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, and has since been screened at several international festivals, including Diagonale (Austria), Pristina International Film Festival (Kosovo), South Asian International Film Festival Vancouver, ASTI International Film Festival (Italy)and Indian Film Festival Stuttgart (Germany), where the film received Best Actress, among other accolades.
