Mumbai’s iconic Liberty Cinema lit up in full rainbow hues as the 17th edition of the KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2026 kicked off on June 3, 2026, with a dazzling red carpet that blended glamour, activism, and cinema. Known as South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ+ film festival, the opening night carried the theme “Reflect, Resonate, Rejoice”—and the vibe on ground was exactly that: emotional, bold, and celebratory.
The red carpet turned into a stylish parade of talent as Rajshri Deshpande arrived in support of inclusive storytelling, while Lillete Dubey brought her signature elegance, instantly becoming a photographer favourite at the venue. The biggest applause moment of the night, however, belonged to Konkona Sen Sharma, who was honoured with the Rainbow Voices Award for her consistent contribution to diverse, meaningful cinema.
Adding extra sparkle to the evening, drag artist SeduQtress SoniQa and media personality Anuj Talpade co-hosted the opening night, keeping the energy high with humour, performances, and playful crowd interaction. The atmosphere reportedly swung between glamorous red-carpet moments and heartfelt celebrations of queer identity, making it one of the most vibrant festival openings in recent memory.
This year’s edition is not just big—it’s massive. Running from June 3 to June 7 across Liberty Cinema, Alliance Française de Bombay, and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), the festival is screening 153 films from 43 countries. With a strong focus on trans narratives, lesbian, bisexual, and non-binary voices, the programming continues to push representation forward in South Asian cinema.
Beyond the glamour and awards, the opening night set the tone for what KASHISH is really about—stories that challenge norms, celebrate identity, and bring audiences closer to lived queer experiences. And if the first night is anything to go by, Mumbai is in for a powerful, emotional, and proudly unapologetic cinematic week.