India News Network | 2025-05-22

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzles at Cannes 2025 in a traditional saree and sindoor
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzles at Cannes 2025 in a traditional saree and sindoor, marking her 22nd red carpet appearance as a L’Oréal Paris ambassador.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Walks Cannes 2025 Red Carpet in Traditional Indian Attire
Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a striking appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, wearing a traditional ivory saree and sindoor as she walked the red carpet for the film The History of Sound. Representing global beauty brand L’Oréal Paris, Rai’s presence drew widespread attention and highlighted Indian fashion and culture on the international stage.
The former Miss World and acclaimed actor, now in her 22nd appearance at the festival, received a warm welcome from photographers and fans alike. She greeted the crowd with a traditional Indian namaste and blew kisses as she ascended the iconic steps of the Grand Théâtre Lumière in Cannes, France. Her ensemble, featuring intricate lace detailing and a flowing train, was accessorised with traditional Indian jewellery and a long pallu draped over one shoulder. The inclusion of sindoor, a symbolic red mark worn on the forehead by many married Hindu women, added a personal cultural touch to her appearance.
Rai’s association with the Cannes Film Festival began in 2002 with the premiere of Devdas, a Hindi-language period drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Over the years, she has become one of the most recognisable Indian personalities at the event, regularly attending as a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris.
Indian Cinema in Focus at Cannes 2025
This year’s festival has seen a notable presence of Indian films and filmmakers across multiple categories. Indian director Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound premiered in the “Un Certain Regard” section, which showcases innovative and daring works by emerging filmmakers. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, received a nine-minute standing ovation following its screening. Members of the cast and crew also attended the festival’s official photocall and walked the red carpet, further boosting visibility for contemporary Indian cinema.
In the Cannes Classics section, a restored version of Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest)—a 1970 film by legendary Indian director Satyajit Ray—was screened to honour its cultural significance. Acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson introduced the screening, which was attended by veteran Indian actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal, both of whom starred in the original production. The presentation received a standing ovation, underscoring the film’s enduring legacy and global appeal.
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia is also serving on the main competition jury this year. Her participation comes one year after winning the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2024 for her debut feature All We Imagine As Light, a joint production between India and France. Her return to the festival in this capacity marks a significant milestone for Indian representation in global cinema governance.
Context: India’s Expanding Cultural Footprint in Global Cinema
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has reaffirmed the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the world stage. From classic retrospectives to bold new storytelling, India’s presence at the festival reflects the country’s expanding influence in international film circles.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s traditional red carpet appearance served not only as a celebration of personal and national heritage, but also as a reminder of the increasing diversity and cultural representation in global media events. Alongside filmmakers and actors gaining international acclaim, India’s longstanding cinematic tradition continues to find new platforms and audiences worldwide.
As the festival continues, the spotlight on Indian contributions—both past and present—underscores Cannes’ evolving embrace of global cinema and storytelling.