The 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival will return from January 28 to February 1, 2026, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Legendary composer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ilaiyaraaja will be honoured with the prestigious Padmapani Award for his five-decade-long contribution to Indian cinema, celebrating his timeless music that transcends languages and generations.