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Cannes 2025: Indian Stars Make Subtle Yet Powerful Statements on Global Stage
Updated on: 22 May, 2025 03:37 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Aditi Rao Hydari, Aishwarya Rai, and Sonam Chhabra at Cannes 2025
The French Riviera once again dazzles with the 78th Cannes Film Festival, a melting pot of global cinema, high fashion, and, this year, quiet yet potent expressions of solidarity. While the red carpet glittered with stars, several Indian celebrities chose this international platform to make subtle statements, weaving personal style with national sentiment, particularly in the wake of recent events.
The actor, who has been a regular at Cannes for the past 20 years, made an appearance at the film gala ahead of the premiere of filmmaker Oliver Hermanus` historical drama "The History of Sound", starring Paul Mescal and Josh O`Connor.
Aishwarya looked resplendent in the embroidered ivory saree with a long `pallu` and a flowing lace train, which was designed by ace couturier Manish Malhotra. She completed her look with a layered ruby necklace, also by Malhotra`s label, and vermillion in her hair parting. "The OG Indian Queen of Cannes @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb embraces Classic White Handloom in a handwoven kadwa ivory Handloom Banarasi saree with a handwoven tissue drape and imperial heirloom of rubies from @manishmalhotrajewellery," the designer wrote on his Instagram page. Videos circulating on social media showed the 51-year-old actor smiling warmly and waving as she greeted fans on the red carpet.
While the actor looked ethereal in a Manish Malhotra ivory Banarasi saree, it was her bold statement of wearing sindoor that turned the maximum heads. Many believe that the actor dismissed divorce rumours with husband Abhishek Bachchan by wearing the symbol of her marital status boldly on the international red carpet. However, many were quick to state how it could also be a tribute to India`s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terror groups.
Fans lauded her choice, with comments like, "Queen gave perfect tribute to Operation Sindoor at Cannes," and "That`s how you honour `Operation Sindoor` on a world platform. No tweets, no statements, no placards. Actions speak louder than words. Love you @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb, you are the Queen." Another fan added, "An ode to ‘Operation Sindoor’," while one remarked, "When u can support your country without saying a word." While it`s still not clear whether Aishwarya Rai`s sindoor held any significance, it definitely got the internet talking.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: Janhvi Kapoor Pays Tribute to Sridevi at Her Cannes Debut
The statements didn`t end there. Model-actor Sonam Chhabra wore a gown with a cape depicting the four haunting dates for the country: `2008 – Mumbai, 2016 – Uri, 2019 – Pulwama, and 2025 – Pahalgam`, summing it all with the word `UNBROKEN` etched on it. The actor, through her outfit, paid tribute to the resilience and undying spirit of the Indian people, a move that was well appreciated.
Adding another layer to these expressions, emerging actor and model Ruchi Gujjar walked the Cannes red carpet in a full bridal avatar, draped in gold, dripping in Rajasthani regalia, and wearing traditional kundan jewellery, but with a special shoutout to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A custom necklace featuring portraits of PM Modi nestled amidst kundan, pearls, and red enamel lotuses.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: 6 Times Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Slayed On The Red Carpet
On Wednesday, director Neeraj Ghaywan presented his film "Homebound" at the film gala under the Un Certain Regard segment. He was accompanied by actors Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as well as producer Karan Johar, all of whom received a historic 9-minute standing ovation. This year, the Cannes Film Festival wasn`t just about movies and red carpet glamour—it had its share of political drama too, with Indian stars finding unique ways to express themselves.
Aishwarya`s Timeless Elegance and a Talking Point
Ever since the prestigious Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 13, the world has waited with bated breath for the `OG Cannes Queen,` Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, to arrive. And lo and behold, when she did, she once again managed to break the internet. Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opted for a traditional look for her 2025 Cannes Film Festival debut, gracing the red carpet in an elegant ivory handloom Banarasi saree.The actor, who has been a regular at Cannes for the past 20 years, made an appearance at the film gala ahead of the premiere of filmmaker Oliver Hermanus` historical drama "The History of Sound", starring Paul Mescal and Josh O`Connor.
Aishwarya looked resplendent in the embroidered ivory saree with a long `pallu` and a flowing lace train, which was designed by ace couturier Manish Malhotra. She completed her look with a layered ruby necklace, also by Malhotra`s label, and vermillion in her hair parting. "The OG Indian Queen of Cannes @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb embraces Classic White Handloom in a handwoven kadwa ivory Handloom Banarasi saree with a handwoven tissue drape and imperial heirloom of rubies from @manishmalhotrajewellery," the designer wrote on his Instagram page. Videos circulating on social media showed the 51-year-old actor smiling warmly and waving as she greeted fans on the red carpet.
While the actor looked ethereal in a Manish Malhotra ivory Banarasi saree, it was her bold statement of wearing sindoor that turned the maximum heads. Many believe that the actor dismissed divorce rumours with husband Abhishek Bachchan by wearing the symbol of her marital status boldly on the international red carpet. However, many were quick to state how it could also be a tribute to India`s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terror groups.
Fans lauded her choice, with comments like, "Queen gave perfect tribute to Operation Sindoor at Cannes," and "That`s how you honour `Operation Sindoor` on a world platform. No tweets, no statements, no placards. Actions speak louder than words. Love you @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb, you are the Queen." Another fan added, "An ode to ‘Operation Sindoor’," while one remarked, "When u can support your country without saying a word." While it`s still not clear whether Aishwarya Rai`s sindoor held any significance, it definitely got the internet talking.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: Janhvi Kapoor Pays Tribute to Sridevi at Her Cannes Debut
Echoes of Tradition and Resilience
Interestingly, Aditi Rao Hydari also sported sindoor in her second appearance at Cannes. Dressed in a red Raw Mango saree with a blue border, the actor looked gorgeous as she posed for photos on the French Riviera. She completed her look with a small red bindi and gold and blue choker set. Fans were quick to applaud her look, appreciating her desi avatar. Sindoor, or vermilion, is considered a sacred symbol in the Hindu culture and a mark of feminine energy.The statements didn`t end there. Model-actor Sonam Chhabra wore a gown with a cape depicting the four haunting dates for the country: `2008 – Mumbai, 2016 – Uri, 2019 – Pulwama, and 2025 – Pahalgam`, summing it all with the word `UNBROKEN` etched on it. The actor, through her outfit, paid tribute to the resilience and undying spirit of the Indian people, a move that was well appreciated.
Adding another layer to these expressions, emerging actor and model Ruchi Gujjar walked the Cannes red carpet in a full bridal avatar, draped in gold, dripping in Rajasthani regalia, and wearing traditional kundan jewellery, but with a special shoutout to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A custom necklace featuring portraits of PM Modi nestled amidst kundan, pearls, and red enamel lotuses.
Also Read: Cannes 2025: 6 Times Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Slayed On The Red Carpet
Strong Indian Cinematic Presence
Beyond these individual statements, the 78th Cannes Film Festival is witnessing a significant Indian presence. Filmmaker Payal Kapadia is part of the main competition jury, a noteworthy honour. Bollywood icons Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal attended the world premiere of the newly restored version of Satyajit Ray`s 1970 classic "Aranyer Din Ratri."On Wednesday, director Neeraj Ghaywan presented his film "Homebound" at the film gala under the Un Certain Regard segment. He was accompanied by actors Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as well as producer Karan Johar, all of whom received a historic 9-minute standing ovation. This year, the Cannes Film Festival wasn`t just about movies and red carpet glamour—it had its share of political drama too, with Indian stars finding unique ways to express themselves.
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