Aishwarya Rai Bachchan captivated audiences at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with a resplendent display of Indian elegance. Marking her 22nd appearance at the prestigious event, she graced the red carpet in an exquisite ivory Banarasi saree designed by Manish Malhotra. The saree featured intricate silver and rose gold detailing, complemented by a flowing tissue drape. Her ensemble was further elevated by a striking collection of 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds set in 18k gold, also designed by Malhotra .
A standout element of her look was the bold application of sindoor (vermilion) along her hair parting, a traditional symbol of marital status in Indian culture. This choice sparked widespread discussion and admiration on social media. Some interpreted it as a subtle response to recent divorce rumors involving her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, while others viewed it as a tribute to India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ . Regardless of interpretation, her appearance was widely praised as a powerful statement of cultural pride and personal grace.
Fans and fashion enthusiasts drew comparisons between her Cannes look and her iconic portrayal of ‘Paro’ in the film ‘Devdas,’ noting the similarities in her traditional attire and dignified presence . Her appearance was lauded for seamlessly blending traditional Indian aesthetics with the glamour of an international red carpet.
Aishwarya’s choice to embrace her roots and showcase Indian heritage on such a global platform reinforces her status as a cultural ambassador and style icon. Her confident and graceful presence at Cannes 2025 serves as an inspiration, celebrating the richness of Indian traditions on the world stage.