Sari, Sindoor & Desi Royalty Served At Cannes Film Festival

Fans had been eagerly awaiting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s arrival at the 78th Cannes Film Festival—and the star did not disappoint. Making a regal entrance at the premiere of The History of Sound, Aishwarya turned heads in a white sari adorned with traditional Indian jewels, offering a perfect blend of heritage and high fashion.

Images and videos of the Bollywood icon quickly went viral as she posed gracefully for photographers. Her sari featured a long pallu draped elegantly over her left shoulder and a delicate lace train flowing on her right. She greeted the paparazzi with a graceful namaste and a radiant smile, waving and blowing kisses to cheering fans as she ascended the grand steps of the Palais des Festivals.

Walking the red carpet as a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, Aishwarya marked her 22nd appearance at Cannes. She first walked the prestigious red carpet in 2002 when Devdas premiered at the festival, launching a two-decade-long legacy of iconic fashion moments.

This year also highlights a strong Indian presence at Cannes. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, selected in the Un Certain Regard category, had its world premiere on Wednesday and received a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film's cast and crew joined together on the red carpet and at the photocall session.

In a tribute to Indian cinematic classics, Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri was screened under the Cannes Classics section. The restored print was introduced by filmmaker Wes Anderson and warmly received by the audience with a standing ovation. Veterans Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal attended the screening.

Additionally, acclaimed Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia is part of this year’s main competition jury. Her return to Cannes comes a year after making history as the first Indian director to win the Grand Prix for her debut feature, All We Imagine As Light, a joint India-France production.

Cannes 2025 continues to shine a spotlight on Indian cinema—celebrating both its timeless legacy and its evolving global influence.