Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has perfected the art of attending film festivals, carving a niche distinctively for herself globally. All eyes were on Aishwarya ever since she graced the red carpet of Cannes in 2002. Beginning her reign as a Bollywood fashionista and beauty queen, Cannes acted as a stage for Aishwarya to assert her place in the global cinema and fashion industry.
A Trend Setter Since 2002
Rai Bachchan made a statement as her first appearance in saree and sequined traditional south Indian jewellery set the bar high in terms of cultural dress sense and Indian extroverted glam for the years that followed. She single-handedly added to the gold and diamond worth of India globally. It was during this year that she became associated with Hollywood as well and over the years has transitioned into the region of her cultural roots.
With explosive and groundbreaking fashion choices,
Aishwarya has been equally prolific in the film industry as well, making her first appearance as a jury member at Cannes later taking part in the highly anticipated launch of ‘The Matrix Reloaded’.
A Bhagwan Das shawl became a part of Balenciaga’s couture collection, giving Aishwarya the spot as the first Indian jury to the Cannes Film Festival. Sometimes praised, sometimes criticized, Aishwarya led the fashion franchise with:
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- 2004: A silver cut-out gown by Neeta Lulla, marking a bold and glamorous transformation.
- 2005: A Gucci black gown with a sheer bodice and lace work paired with loose waves—a bold statement.
- 2014: A strapless golden Roberto Cavalli gown featuring a corset embellished with gems, alongside strong red lipstick.
- 2017: She wore an ice-blue Michael Cinco gown, which became a fan favorite because it transformed her into modern-day Cinderella.
- 2018: Michael Cinco gown in violet, blue, and purple butterfly design with a dramatic cape and fierce craftsmanship.
Cannes 2025: A Masterclass in Cultural Fusion
This time, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan set the French Riviera on fire yet again with 2 bespoke looks celebrating Indian heritage blended with contemporary couture.
First Appearance: She donned an ivory saree by Manish Malhotra and settled her trademark middle-parted hair and deep red vermilion and inhaled her “royal Indian bahu” persona, claiming the “royal Indian bahu” moniker. This look not only silenced the trying rumors about her personal life but reaffirmed her commitment to Indian culture.
Second Appearance: For her next red carpet walk, Aishwarya wore a custom Gaurav Gupta black gown, intricately embroidered with micro glass crystals.
The ensemble was complemented with a handwoven Banarasi brocade cape donned with a Sanskrit shloka from the Bhagavad Gita – marrying Indian culture with leading-edge fashion. A new interpretation of her style came from her side-swept hair and red lips, which she forged into a trademark look. Her signature red lips and side-swept hair gave her trademark look a new spin.
Designer Gaurav Gupta referred to the look as a ‘galactic sculpture’—Indian minimalism at its best: structured and intentional. It was still dramatic but in a more restrained manner relative to the rest of her work.
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A Lasting Influence
Aishwarya’s stroll at Cannes has motivated emerging Indian actresses to up their game. Alia Bhatt also cited Aishwarya as ‘a huge inspiration’ on her own debut at Cannes in 2025. While growing up, she admired Aishwarya’s legendary walks and how she represented India with so much grace and poise.
Conclusion
The Cannes legacy of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan remains to be her fearless approach to fashion along with the embrace of Indian culture and the spirit of reinvention year after year. With 100 timeless saree for couture gowns, she transforms the benchmark for strutting on the carpet and transforms each appearance into a breathtaking moment of history.
Writer : Pranjal Bapna