Given the staggering presence of desis on the red carpet at the world’s most prestigious and glamorous film festival, it is fair to ask: has quality Indian cinema suddenly exploded on the international scene? Who are all those overdressed randoms preening away on the famous carpet (and getting shooed off by security)? Are they even remotely connected to the film industry? The answer is an unambiguous ‘no’. Most have paid upwards of Rs25 lakh to show up for a personal photo-op and post stories on Instagram. The other ones, seen partying crazily with our stars, are hangers-ons/groupies of prominent Bollywood cliques.
Cannes 2025 (established in 1946) attracted big names from across the film community, but for us in India, it was a demurely sari-clad Sharmila Tagore at 80 who stole the show from an overtly sexy Jahnvi Kapoor (28) in a daring mint-green backless gown.
Tagore’s interviews and pictures were everywhere. I didn’t see any international write-ups on Janhvi. In between these two age divides, we were treated to Cannes veteran Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (51), as global ambassador for L’Oreal. This was her 22nd appearance on the red carpet after her debut in 2002. Ash remains the only recognisable Indian celebrity—no matter how questionable her couture choices. This year she made the biggest impact with “sindoor’’ as her statement. In one go, she messaged patriotism, matrimony, legacy and heritage.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Cannes | AFP
Since divas are always subjected to intense scrutiny at such high-profile events, it is wonderful to see stylish women like Helen Mirren (79) giving half-naked 20-somethings a run for their money.
That’s the true test of gold standard celebrityhood backed by talent and a hefty body of work. Whether it’s Mirren or Meryl Streep or Tagore, what sets them apart is their effortless sense of personal style and grace. They wear their innate confidence lightly, look like themselves, behave without artifice, appear relaxed and happy in their skins.
Compare that with the exaggerated efforts to attract eyeballs from women young enough to be their daughters and granddaughters. Some of our fashion horror stories at Cannes demanded attention for the wrong reasons—let’s call it overkill. From a jewelled parrot handbag to completely OTT garish gowns and make-up, self-styled “first lady’’ Urvashi Rautela became a laughing stock at Cannes, even blocking bonafide celebrities during an appearance.
The pressure to stand out and hog the limelight is so overwhelming, it often pushes hungry starlets to extremes—including stripping nude on the Croissette hoping to grab instant notoriety if not fame. It needs restraint, class and immense savoir-faire for first-timers not to fall for cheap gimmicks. Filmmaker Payal Kapadia (39), who was on the jury, was a breath of fresh air—impeccably dressed and dignified in her conduct. Pity the giddy-headed “influencers’’ who descended in droves, resorting to bizarre outfits just to register their presence.
Yes, the red carpet is a harsh test to pass, given the intense interest. Ageism exists—no denying that. But so does gender bias. Robert De Niro (81) received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Leonardo DiCaprio (50). Nobody commented on their wrinkles, girth or sartorial choices. But all eyes were on Angelina Jolie (49) when she showed up in an elegant statuesque, strapless gown, split up to her thigh, performing her role as ‘Chopard Godmother’—did she or didn’t she go for a Botox boost before the big night?
We need to relax and take Cannes in our stride and respect it for what it is—a film festival, not a fashion parade of tacky taste. Let our talented filmmakers shine and bring home the honours. And as for the flashy film-illiterate crowd hijacking the event—perhaps start with a crash course on world cinema before jumping on the Cannes bandwagon while impudently flashing their bodies… and ignorance.
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