Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has brought together some of Indian cinema’s biggest names for the Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026 at Whistling Woods International, running from October 7 to 9.

Aamir Khan headlined the opening day with a conversation around his film Sitaare Zameen Par. On day two, Hema Malini paid a special tribute to the late Dharmendra, while Rana Daggubati also graced the event.

The festival closes on October 9 with Imtiaz Ali in a session titled Main Vaapas Aaunga, while Ghai himself interacts with nearly 2,000 film students across the three days.

The event blends star power with learning, giving students direct access to industry veterans. Sessions cover acting, direction and the changing economics of Hindi cinema.

For Ghai, the festival continues his long association with film education through Whistling Woods. With legends sharing the stage with newcomers, the three-day event has become one of the industry’s most loved annual gatherings.