Indian celebrities have long made substantial impressions at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing a blend of glamour and tradition through their fashion choices. From stunning ball gowns to cultural handlooms, the stylistic evolution of Indian representatives on the Cannes red carpet has mirrored the growing prominence of Indian cinema on the global stage.
A retrospective of iconic appearances showcases this evolution. In 2002, Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan marked a significant moment for Indian cinema. Aishwarya’s bright yellow saree by Neeta Lulla, paired with elegant gold jewellery, radiated grace while Shah Rukh in a tuxedo added to the glamour, promoting the visibility of Indian film to an international audience.
Vidya Balan’s attendance in 2013 as a Cannes jury member featured traditional Sabyasachi ensembles, seamlessly integrating Indian artistry on a prestigious platform. Her outfits, including a nude sari with exquisite jewellery, celebrated the uniqueness of Indian craftsmanship.
Sonam Kapoor brought a modern twist to the festival in 2014, donning a pale pink net sari-dress that exemplified the fusion of traditional draping and contemporary fashion. Her bold accessories highlighted her status as a fashion pioneer.
Aishwarya Rai’s 2017 appearance in a mesmerizing ice-blue gown by Michael Cinco continued her legacy of high-fashion moments, while Deepika Padukone’s 2018 ivory sheer gown by Zuhair Murad showcased a perfect balance of extravagance and poise.
In 2023, Anushka Sharma made her debut in a striking cream gown adorned with floral accents, blending global fashion with cultural motifs, while Vijay Varma made a statement in a sharply tailored suit, challenging traditional men’s fashion on the red carpet.
In 2024, Preity Zinta returned after seven years, captivating the audience in a white Nyra gown and later in a blush pink saree, showcasing meaningful fashion as she presented a prestigious award. Payal Kapadia’s film “All We Imagine as Light” also made history, with her attire honoring sustainability and Indian craftsmanship.
Veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah, in her own yellow Chanderi saree, underscored authenticity and cultural representation at the festival, redefining red carpet norms.
Each appearance stands as a testament to the fusion of Bollywood glamour and rich cultural heritage, continuing to shine a spotlight on Indian cinema as it finds its place on the world stage. The evolution of red carpet fashion at Cannes signifies a hopeful future where tradition and modernity coalesce, highlighting the importance of cultural expression in a global context.