Cannes 2025: Aishwarya Rai Steps Out in a Cape Inscribed With a Sanskrit Shloka
Updated on: 23 May, 2025 11:09 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Aishwarya Rai at Cannes 2025
After sparking considerable buzz with her first appearance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again captured the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Her second outing offered a stunning visual departure from her initial traditional ensemble, proving her versatile fashion prowess on the global stage. On the first day, the former Miss Universe made a statement in a stunning ivory saree and a bold stroke of vermilion.
While her debut look sparked conversations and made headlines for its rooted symbolism to the recent war between India and Pakistan. Some speculated that she was paying homage to Indian tradition and shutting the divorce rumours once and for all.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue, the designer said that the gown is hand-embroidered with microglass crystals and galactic embroidery of the cosmos in silver, gold, charcoal, and black. This intricate detailing brought an ethereal, cosmic dimension to the sophisticated black velvet.
The true masterpiece, however, was the magnificent cape. Handwoven in Varanasi, it was more than just a fashion statement; it was a canvas for Indian heritage. The cape, handwoven in Varanasi, was inscribed with a Sanskrit Shokla from the Bhagwat Gita.
Gupta told Diet Sabya, a fashion account on Instagram, that the shlok embroidered at the back of the cape was "Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani." This profound verse roughly translates to "Do the action and not wait for the fruit," or more fully, "You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits of those actions. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction," the `shlok` translated from Sanskrit read.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: Indian Stars Make Subtle Yet Powerful Statements on Global Stage
During the event, Aishwarya Rai showcased her poise and elegance when her outfit was accidentally caught under actor Helen Mirren`s foot. She handled the unexpected wardrobe mishap with calm and composure, a moment that quickly drew praise on social media, with one fan commenting, “Wow, she handled it with grace.”
Her second look at the Festival des Cannes was praised across social media and fashion circles for how she brought Indian heritage to the global stage. While her first look was an ode to tradition and identity, the second was a celebration of reinvention and timeless fashion.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: 5 Indian Films Heading To The Film Festival
While her debut look sparked conversations and made headlines for its rooted symbolism to the recent war between India and Pakistan. Some speculated that she was paying homage to Indian tradition and shutting the divorce rumours once and for all.
A Regal Ensemble by Gaurav Gupta
For her second red carpet walk, Aishwarya exuded old Hollywood glamour in a bespoke creation by designer Gaurav Gupta. She opted for a beautiful black velvet gown by designer Gaurav Gupta. The dramatic silhouette was accentuated by a sculptural Banarasi brocade cape that fanned out majestically, creating an unforgettable regal presence.In an exclusive interview with Vogue, the designer said that the gown is hand-embroidered with microglass crystals and galactic embroidery of the cosmos in silver, gold, charcoal, and black. This intricate detailing brought an ethereal, cosmic dimension to the sophisticated black velvet.
The true masterpiece, however, was the magnificent cape. Handwoven in Varanasi, it was more than just a fashion statement; it was a canvas for Indian heritage. The cape, handwoven in Varanasi, was inscribed with a Sanskrit Shokla from the Bhagwat Gita.
Gupta told Diet Sabya, a fashion account on Instagram, that the shlok embroidered at the back of the cape was "Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani." This profound verse roughly translates to "Do the action and not wait for the fruit," or more fully, "You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits of those actions. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction," the `shlok` translated from Sanskrit read.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: Indian Stars Make Subtle Yet Powerful Statements on Global Stage
Completing the Look with Poise
Aishwarya’s styling perfectly complemented the grandeur of her attire. The actor wore her hair in voluminous, side-parted waves that complemented her outfit perfectly. She kept her makeup minimal yet striking, with defined eyes and a bold lip that added to the retro look. Her signature red lip did justice to her outfit, giving her old-school look a modern edge.During the event, Aishwarya Rai showcased her poise and elegance when her outfit was accidentally caught under actor Helen Mirren`s foot. She handled the unexpected wardrobe mishap with calm and composure, a moment that quickly drew praise on social media, with one fan commenting, “Wow, she handled it with grace.”
Her second look at the Festival des Cannes was praised across social media and fashion circles for how she brought Indian heritage to the global stage. While her first look was an ode to tradition and identity, the second was a celebration of reinvention and timeless fashion.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: 5 Indian Films Heading To The Film Festival
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