This year’s Cannes Film Festival turned out to be a landmark edition for Indian cinema—not just for the powerful films showcased, but for the dazzling sartorial statements that took the red carpet by storm. From celebrated veterans to promising newcomers, India made its presence felt in full measure across premieres, standing ovations, and panel discussions.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Cannes legacy stands strong
Janhvi Kapoor’s Cannes debut
Homebound Earns a 9-Minute Standing Ovation
Sharmila Tagore and the Magic of Aranyer Din Ratri
Best red-carpet moments
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Cannes legacy stands strong
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her 22nd appearance at Cannes, walking the red carpet in a gorgeous white-and-gold Banarasi sari designed by Manish Malhotra. In keeping with her Indian heritage, she wore sindoor and a ruby necklace. She demonstrated traditional artistry on a global platform the following day when she wore a black velvet gown designed by Gaurav Gupta and topped with a sumptuous Banarasi brocade cape.
Janhvi Kapoor’s Cannes debut
While promoting her film Homebound, which was directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Janhvi Kapoor made headlines with her Cannes debut. She attracted attention in a number of eye-catching outfits, starting with a corset and skirt made of Tarun Tahiliani tissue that was elaborately woven in Varanasi. She then wore a backless gown by Anamika Khanna in mint green with pearl and gemstone decorations, which gave it an air of refinement and Indian flair. Wearing an archival 1989 YSL jacket, accessorized with a sculptural hat and an Anamika Khanna skirt, Janhvi made a striking impression on the amfAR carpet, skillfully fusing vintage glitz with modern elegance.
Homebound Earns a 9-Minute Standing Ovation
When Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound was screened in the Un Certain Regard section, it got a standing ovation for nine minutes, making it the festival’s high point for Indian cinema. Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa appear in the film, which depicts a profoundly poignant story of friendship, dignity, and suffering in rural North India.
In a notable achievement, Martin Scorsese, who acted as executive producer and praised the movie as a “significant contribution to Indian cinema,” as he showed his support.
Ishaan Khatter turned heads in a velvet maroon bandhgala by Gaurav Gupta and later in a vintage sepia-tone Armani vest styled by Alexander Roth. Vishal Jethwa wore a Kaushik Velendra black pantsuit with gold brooches and returned in a houndstooth single-breasted blazer, keeping structured shoulders in vogue. Director Neeraj Ghaywan was visibly moved by the audience’s overwhelming reaction.
Sharmila Tagore and the Magic of Aranyer Din Ratri
The Cannes Classics section brought nostalgia and pride with the screening of Satyajit Ray’s ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ (1970). A newly restored version of the film received a standing ovation, attended by stars Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal. The restoration was presented by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project and funded by the Golden Globe Foundation.
Wes Anderson, a self-proclaimed admirer of Ray, introduced the film, calling it a timeless study of self-discovery and urban escapism. This moment stood as a powerful reminder of Ray’s lasting influence on global cinema.
Best red-carpet moments
Never one to shy away from fashion, Karan Johar wore an elaborate Rohit Bal dress that took 410 hours to make and a fitted Manish Malhotra ensemble.
The 17-year-old Lapataa Ladies breakout star, Nitanshi Goel, made a stunning debut wearing a sculptured black gown by Jade by Monica and Karishma that included elaborate gold kasab embroidery.
See Also: “There will come a day when India won’t be at Cannes, Cannes would be at India,” Deepika Padukone