As the French Riviera lit up once again for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Indian stars brought their A-game to the red carpet, dazzling global onlookers with couture rooted in heritage and innovation. For fans and fashionistas across the Gulf, this year’s Cannes was not just about cinematic achievements—it was a proud showcase of South Asian artistry and cultural power on an international stage.
From Dubai-based designer highlights to Bollywood’s freshest faces, here’s The Gulf Talk’s definitive round-up of Indian glamour at Cannes 2025.
Bollywood’s Fresh Faces Make Their Cannes Mark
On May 20, Homebound, one of only two Indian films competing at Cannes this year, made its premiere under the Un Certain Regard category. Walking the red carpet were actors Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, adding a youthful, contemporary flair to India’s Cannes delegation.
Janhvi Kapoor: Traditional Roots, Modern Grace
Kapoor’s debut was a moment of fashion-meets-craft. Wearing a blush pink custom ensemble by Tarun Tahiliani, the look featured a handwoven tissue skirt and corset, with fabrics sourced from the textile heartland of Benares. Her attire not only made a style statement but also honoured Indian craftsmanship, echoing values that resonate deeply with Gulf audiences who admire the fusion of heritage and luxury. She completed the look with glittering jewels by Chopard.
Ishaan Khatter: Royal Elegance with a Twist
Khatter, already familiar to global audiences through Netflix’s The Perfect Couple, brought understated sophistication in a maroon velvet bandhgala by designer Gaurav Gupta. The embroidery mirrored knot patterns—subtle yet impactful, offering a tasteful blend of Indian tradition and global refinement.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The Timeless Queen Returns
For those of us in the Gulf who’ve followed her journey, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s return to Cannes felt like a homecoming on the world stage. Her presence was a reminder of how Indian women continue to redefine elegance.
In Manish Malhotra: A Tribute to Heritage
On May 21, Rai Bachchan appeared in a resplendent Banarasi sari styled by Manish Malhotra, her look enhanced with real gold and silver zardozi embroidery. Adorned in sindoor and intricate jewellery, her appearance echoed the aesthetics deeply admired by Gulf residents who cherish opulence paired with cultural authenticity.
Verses & Velvet: A Sartorial Masterpiece
The following evening, she embraced drama in a custom black Gaurav Gupta gown with a Banarasi brocade cape—etched with verses from the Bhagavad Gita. For Gulf viewers, the spiritual and sartorial synthesis reflected the kind of luxury storytelling often seen in regional haute couture.
Rising Stars and Regional Glamour
The Cannes red carpet isn’t just for film stars—it’s a platform for emerging talent and international designers who connect cultures. This year, several names stood out for audiences in the Gulf.
Nitanshi Goel: Bold Debut, Bold Design
Rising star Nitanshi Goel, fresh from the hit Laapataa Ladies, stunned in a sculpted black gown by Jade, the label by Monica Shah and Karishma Swali. The corset-top and embroidered cage-style skirt struck a balance between edgy and elegant—appealing to Gulf-based fans of modern couture.
Debanjali Kamstra: Dubai Pride on the Riviera
A standout moment for UAE residents was the red carpet walk of Debanjali Kamstra, Dubai-based entrepreneur and former Mrs UAE World. Wearing a dramatic off-shoulder gown by Filipino Dubai designer Michael Cinco, her gold leaf applique and voluminous silhouette was a true tribute to regional extravagance. Her film, 30 Days of Autumn, premiered at Cannes’ Marché du Film, marking her cinematic debut and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Urvashi Rautela: Art Meets Fashion
Another Michael Cinco creation was seen on Bollywood’s Urvashi Rautela, whose dramatic tulle gown—embellished with mosaic-inspired patterns—brought an artistic flair to opening night. Cinco’s continued dominance on international red carpets is a point of pride for the Gulf’s fashion community.
Alia Bhatt: Youthful Elegance and Global Influence
Making her Cannes debut late in the festival, Alia Bhatt cemented her status as the face of a new generation of Indian icons. Her choices blended international luxury with Indian grace—an approach increasingly mirrored by Gulf fashion influencers.
In Schiaparelli: Delicate and Dreamy
Bhatt’s first look was a soft pink Schiaparelli gown featuring floral embroidery and airy organza, encapsulating a soft glamour that resonated with audiences who favour feminine elegance with artistic depth.
In Gucci: Heritage Reimagined
At the closing ceremony, Bhatt returned in a custom crystal-studded sari by Gucci, embroidered with the fashion house’s GG monogram. As Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador, Bhatt’s ensemble symbolized how Indian culture is seamlessly being integrated into Western luxury—a sentiment very much alive in Gulf fashion circles.
Legacy of Glamour: A Look Back at India’s Cannes Icons
Beyond this year’s showstoppers, India’s relationship with Cannes has evolved over decades.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The Original Cannes Trailblazer
Her 2002 debut in a Neeta Lulla sari for the Devdas premiere, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, laid the foundation for India’s red-carpet journey. Her continuous reinvention at Cannes—whether in Elie Saab couture or traditional silks—has inspired generations, including many across the Gulf who admire her grace and legacy.
Deepika Padukone: The Cultural Connector
From jury duty in 2022 to bold fashion choices, Deepika’s Cannes appearances blend Indian essence with international drama. Her presence resonates with Gulf viewers who appreciate strong, stylish women balancing global relevance with cultural roots.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja: The Fashion Innovator
Known for her fearless fashion, Sonam’s red carpet looks—crafted by the likes of Ralph & Russo and Anamika Khanna—have continually pushed boundaries. For Gulf audiences who value individuality and elegance, Sonam remains an enduring style icon.
Cannes and India: A Relationship of Respect and Radiance
India’s growing prominence at Cannes isn’t just visual—it’s cinematic, cultural, and symbolic. With India being named Country of Honour at the Cannes Film Market in 2022, the path has been paved for deeper engagement. From bold fashion to powerful storytelling, Indian presence at Cannes is no longer niche—it’s central.
Final Thoughts: When Bollywood Meets the Riviera
For viewers in the Gulf, this year’s Cannes Festival was a rich blend of style, story, and South Asian pride. Whether it was Aishwarya’s majestic return, Janhvi’s elegant debut, or Debanjali Kamstra representing the UAE with flair, every red carpet moment brought with it a sense of connection, admiration, and celebration.
India isn’t just walking the red carpet at Cannes. It’s owning it—with style, soul, and a global voice that resonates across borders, from Mumbai to the Middle East.
