Bollywood never asked for attention at Cannes, it simply took it! With signature off-beat looks and ensembles that highlighted Indian culture on the global stage, leading ladies from the tinsel town have
consistently known how to make powerful fashion statements. Here’s a look at five times Bollywood made headlines at Cannes:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
In 2016, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan broke the internet with her daring Cannes look. The iconic star became a viral sensation for sporting purple lip colour, a surprising choice from the beauty queen, who had always opted for classic red lips, considered a safer pick.
Deepika Padukone
In 2019, Deepika Padukone turned heads at Cannes by donning a Giambattista Valli tulle gown featuring a dramatic long train. The bona fide fashion icon paired her look with a rose gold floral headwrap from Emily London, Stuart Weitzman sandals, and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery.
Aditi Rao Hydari
At the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Aditi Rao Hydari stunned in a fiery red saree by Raw Mango, featuring a thin blue border. The actor paired it with a sleeveless red blouse, a statement necklace, and matching earrings. The highlight of the look was the red bindi and sindoor, which brought a wave of elegance and cultural pride to the French Riviera.
Alia Bhatt
Last year at Cannes, Alia Bhatt made a strong fashion statement in Gucci’s first-ever saree, embellished with glistening Swarovski crystals and intricately stitched with the brand’s recognisable GG monogram. The actress stole the show by accessorising her look with minimal jewellery and complementing the elegant ensemble with soft waves.
Nitanshi Goel
Laapataa Ladies actress Nitanshi Goel made a stunning debut at Cannes 2025 in a mini dress by Papa Don’t Preach. What made the look especially memorable was her custom-made hair accessory featuring miniature photo frames of legendary Bollywood actresses such as Madhubala, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Nutan, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Vyjayanthimala, Hema Malini, Rekha, and Sridevi.
Whether western or ethnic, these Bollywood divas have left hearts fluttering with their iconic fashion moments at Cannes.
