Cannes 2025: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan makes a sindoor statement at 22nd red carpet appearance

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘The History of Sound’ at the 78th international Cannes film festival | Photo Credit: AP

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 22nd appearance at the Cannes Film Festival was marked by apparent symbolism. Dressed in a custom ivory and gold Manish Malhotra sari reimagined as a gown, Rai’s bold streak of red sindoor down the part of her hair has been drawing as much attention as the shimmering ensemble itself.

Attending the premiere of The History of Sound, Rai arrived in a handwoven kadwa Banarasi sari with a tissue drape and zari embroidery. Her look, completed with 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds, was crafted in collaboration with Manish Malhotra Jewellery. Yet it was the bright red sindoor that sparked conversation as a cultural marker.

On social media, commentators noted the striking resemblance between this look and her iconic appearance as Paro in 2002’s Devdas. Heavy jewels, a golden-bordered sari, red lips, and open hair with sindoor immediately reminded many of her character’s “thakurain era” presence.

The timing of Rai’s appearance also led to broader interpretations. With India launching ‘Operation Sindoor’ — India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir — some online saw Aishwarya’s styling as an expression of that nationalist sentinement.

Designer Manish Malhotra described the ensemble as a “celebration of handwoven Indian textiles with couture structure.”

This is not the first time Aishwarya has worn ivory at Cannes. Over the years, she has gravitated toward lighter palettes, often pairing them with bold lip colors and classic silhouettes.

While representing beauty brand L’Oréal, Rai’s presence at Cannes adds to India’s appearance at the 78th edition of the festival, which also includes filmmaker Payal Kapadia on the main competition jury, as well as Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound competing Un Certain Regard.

Published - May 22, 2025 11:12 am IST