EVENT : FILM ON LOKMATA DEVI AHILYA BAI HONOURED AT DELHI FILM FESTIVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE & TOURISM, GOVERNMENT OF MADHYA PRADESH

*Director Dimple Dugar Felicitated for “Contribution to Preservation of History through Cinema”

*Film on Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Highlights Her Extraordinary Life, Ideal Governance, and Welfare-Oriented Works Film Available on JioHotstar – https://jiohotstar.com/1271527214?utm_source=share

TTT NEWS NETWORK

BHOPAL | 23 APRIL 2026

In a significant achievement for the state’s cultural outreach, the film “Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai,” produced by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, was honoured at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026. The film received the prestigious award for “Contribution to History Preservation through Cinema” on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar.

At the “Night of Honors” ceremony, the film’s director, Dimple Dugar, was felicitated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri Tarunjeet Singh Sandhu, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, and Minister for Art, Culture and Tourism Shri Kapil Mishra. IFFD is an official cultural initiative of the Government of Delhi (NCT), organised by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). A Symbol of Global Recognition: ACS Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla Additional Chief Secretary (Culture, Home, Jail, and Religious Trusts & Endowments), Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, hailed the recognition as a milestone.

“This award is a symbol of the global recognition of Madhya Pradesh’s rich culture and heritage. To mark the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, this impactful 7-minute animation film was created as a tribute. It vividly brings to life her saga of good governance, protection of Dharma, justice, and the historic reconstruction of temples,” Shri Shukla remarked.

Director Dimple Dugar Expresses Gratitude Dimple Dugar, Director and Founder of JVD Animation Studio and director of the film, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. She thanked Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, and senior officials for their support in the making of the film. She noted that the guidance, cooperation, and trust extended during the production played a crucial role in its success. She added that the honour reflects not only the collective efforts of the team but also provides an important platform to present Madhya Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and inspiring history to a wider audience.

Film Available on JioHotstar The film on Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar focuses on her extraordinary life, exemplary governance, and welfare-driven initiatives. It presents a compelling portrayal of her just, compassionate, and visionary rule. Her historic contributions to religion and society—such as the reconstruction of temples and the development of pilgrimage sites—are vividly brought to life. The film also stands as a powerful example of women’s empowerment and good governance. It highlights how Ahilyabai Holkar, despite facing adversities, led with resilience, wisdom, and a spirit of service, setting benchmarks for ideal leadership.

The film is not merely a historical narrative but an inspiring portrayal of governance, women’s empowerment, and cultural pride relevant even today. The film is available for viewing on JioHotstar. Over 30,000 Registrations at IFFD 2026 IFFD 2026 witnessed registrations from over 30,000 attendees. The seven-day festival received a record 2,187 film entries from more than 100 countries, including 1,372 international and 815 Indian films. Over 125 films were screened across more than 15 venues in the capital, offering audiences a diverse range of themes and cinematic experiences.