Actor Vijay Varma added another major achievement to his growing list of accolades after winning the Best Performance award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 for his performance in the series Matka King. The recognition came as the actor continued to receive praise for his portrayal of complex and intense characters.
Dolly Singh takes a hilarious jibe at Vijay Varma
The 17th edition of IFFM, which began on August 13, celebrated films, filmmakers and performers from across India and the subcontinent. Vijay was among the prominent winners at this year’s ceremony, with his performance in Matka King earning him the Best Performance honour. Other major winners included Dulquer Salmaan, who won Best Actor for Kaantha, Kirti Kulhari, who received Best Actress for Full Plate, and Rishab Shetty, who was recognised as Best Director for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
While the award marked an important moment in Vijay’s career, the actor’s appearance at the ceremony also became memorable for a light-hearted exchange with influencer-actor Dolly Singh. While introducing Vijay, Dolly jokingly referred to him as the “nation’s biggest red flag” on screen, drawing attention to his reputation for playing morally complicated, intimidating and often troubled characters.
Dolly explained that whenever Vijay appears in a scene, audiences often become apprehensive about who might be in trouble. She pointed to the contrast between the actor’s intense on-screen image and his personality away from the camera, turning the introduction into a playful roast.
Vijay Varma gives a witty reply
Vijay, known for his quick wit, responded to the remark with humour. He quipped that Dolly should simply buy a piece of red cloth and keep it at home so she could make as many flags as she wanted. Dolly called his response a “lame joke”, prompting Vijay to turn the banter back on her.
The actor then jokingly remarked about letting her “terrible compliments” slide. Their exchange left both performers laughing and added an entertaining moment to Vijay’s big night. It remains unclear whether the interaction was entirely spontaneous or part of the ceremony’s planned script.
For Vijay, the IFFM recognition is another milestone following years of performances across films and streaming projects. From Pink and Gully Boy to Darlings, Dahaad and other acclaimed titles, the actor has built a reputation for taking on challenging and layered characters.
His award for Matka King further underlines the appreciation for his work, while his playful exchange with Dolly showed a different side of the actor. With the IFFM honour adding to his growing list of achievements, Vijay continues to strengthen his position as one of the most versatile performers in contemporary Indian cinema and streaming.