Viral Video Shows Nandamuri Balakrishna Touching Hema Malini's Feet at International Film Festival Delhi 2026
A heartwarming and respectful moment from the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 has captured the attention of the internet, with a video of actor Nandamuri Balakrishna touching the feet of his on-screen mother, veteran actress Hema Malini, going viral across social media platforms.
Red Carpet Gesture of Respect Goes Viral
The incident occurred on the red carpet of the prestigious film festival, where Balakrishna was present to receive an award. As he encountered Hema Malini, the actor immediately bent down with a smile to touch her feet and seek her blessings in a traditional Indian gesture of respect towards elders.
Hema Malini responded warmly to the gesture, shaking his hand and posing for photographs with him before Balakrishna moved on to greet other attendees at the star-studded venue. The genuine display of reverence between the two cinema icons has resonated deeply with audiences online.
Lifetime Achievement Honors for Cinema Legends
The International Film Festival Delhi 2026 recognized several stalwarts of Indian cinema with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their immense contributions to the industry. The honorees included:
- Nandamuri Balakrishna
- Sharmila Tagore
- The late Dharmendra (posthumously honored)
The ceremony attracted numerous prominent figures from the entertainment world, creating a glittering gathering of talent and achievement.
Star-Studded Gathering at the Festival
The evening featured an impressive array of celebrities from across the Indian film industry. Among the notable attendees were:
- Arjun Kapoor
- Nimrat Kaur
- Vicky Kaushal
- Sanya Malhotra
- Siddhant Chaturvedi
- Lauren Gottlieb
- Kangana Ranaut
- Vivek Oberoi
- Prosenjit Chatterjee
- Arvind Swamy
The presence of these diverse talents highlighted the festival's significance as a major cultural event celebrating cinematic excellence.
Special Screening of Award-Winning Film
The festival included a special screening of Balakrishna's film Bhagavanth Kesari, directed by Anil Ravipudi. This Telugu film had previously won the Best Telugu Film award at the 71st National Film Awards, adding to its prestige.
Balakrishna, along with director Anil Ravipudi and producer Sahu Garapati, attended the screening, making it a significant moment for the film's team and fans alike.
Recent National Recognition for Balakrishna
In 2025, the Government of India honored Nandamuri Balakrishna with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, the country's third-highest civilian honor. This recognition celebrated his substantial contributions to arts and cinema over his distinguished career.
The Padma Bhushan award adds to Balakrishna's growing list of accolades, further cementing his status as one of Indian cinema's most respected figures.
The International Film Festival Delhi 2026 has thus provided multiple memorable moments that celebrate both the artistic achievements and personal connections within the Indian film industry, with the viral video of Balakrishna and Hema Malini serving as a particularly touching highlight.
