Bollywood’s biggest names brought a wave of glamour, tradition, and individuality to the Cannes Film Festival 2025. From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s ruby-laced return to Janhvi Kapoor’s regal debut, Indian celebrities reigned supreme on the red carpet with looks that celebrated both cultural richness and avant-garde style.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The Eternal Queen in Ivory and Rubies
View this post on Instagram
On May 21, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a spectacular comeback to Cannes, reiterating her stature as the OG red carpet queen. Aishwarya revolutionised red carpet fashion with a look based in Indian tradition and royal glamour while wearing a handcrafted ivory Banarasi sari by Manish Malhotra.
Her necklace, a stunning piece from Malhotra’s High necklace collection, was set in 18-carat gold and included more than 500 carats of uncut diamonds and Mozambique rubies. Her ensemble was finished with heirloom-worthy diamond and ruby rings on both hands, and a multi-strand ruby necklace, a diamond pendant choker, and a statement neckpiece exuded vintage luxury.
Aditi Rao Hydari: Crimson Elegance with a Classic Twist
View this post on Instagram
Aditi Rao Hydari wore a crimson silk saree from Raw Mango, embodying regal minimalism. Her ensemble, with its lustrous draping and cobalt blue border, was a lesson in subtle grandeur. Her standing as a modern-day princess with vintage charm was further cemented by the addition of a classic choker and earrings, which added the perfect amount of glitter.
Janhvi Kapoor: Regal Debut in Benarasi Couture
View this post on Instagram
Janhvi Kapoor’s debut at Cannes was a spectacular sight. She was dressed in Tarun Tahiliani and styled by Rhea Kapoor. She wore a pleated skirt and a sculpted corset made from Benaras hand-woven tissue. Theatrical flare was imparted with the designer’s characteristic curtains, a dramatic unfinished train, and a crushed texture.
The elegantly stacked diamonds and pearls in Chopard jewellery enhanced the delicate, romantic colour scheme. Savleen Manchanda’s soft, dewy makeup finished Kapoo’s dreamy aesthetic.
Shalini Passi: Art Meets Fashion in a Sculptural Gown
View this post on Instagram
Shalini Passi, a reality celebrity and art patron, made her Cannes debut wearing a couture navy blue gown called Longitude 77 by Manish Malhotra. Inspired by artist Paresh Maity’s travels around India, the mermaid silhouette had a corseted bodice and a colourful, multicoloured bottom skirt. Shalini’s style was a perfect blend of great art and fashion, accessorised with delicate jewellery and her trademark snatched bun.
Karan Johar: Couture for the Contemporary Gentleman
View this post on Instagram
Karan Johar made a big impact with his statement-making style in addition to Homebound’s debut in the Un Certain Regard segment. From a salmon-pink Crestelli suit to a Manish Malhotra outfit reminiscent of Bridgerton, his closet was a masterwork of contemporary menswear. His finest moment? This 410-hour-long Rohit Bal silk velvet jacket is embroidered with rose designs utilising silk threads and sequins. Karan, who was styled by Eka Lakhani, had a memorable fashion experience in Cannes.
Ishaan Khatter: Regal Reimagined in Bordeaux Velvet
View this post on Instagram
Ishaan Khatter made his Cannes debut as a style icon and an outstanding actor. In a custom-made Gaurav Gupta bandhgala made of bordeaux-red velvet, he combined contemporary sculptural tailoring with classic silhouettes. Finished with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph and Celtic-inspired black zardozi embroidery, his appearance was sleek, sophisticated, and all his own.
Natasha Poonawalla: Archival Dior with an Indian Soul
View this post on Instagram
Natasha Poonawalla, the most popular versatile in fashion, dazzled in a 2002 vintage Christian Dior dress. The gown was a masterpiece of Y2K elegance, with its geometric embroidered panel, beautiful ruching, and sheer mesh. She wore a Jean Paul salmon pink purse, a traditional rani haar, and a kundan ring, all in keeping with her Indo-global style. Natasha once again transcended the boundaries between East and West while wearing a gold Dior fur jacket adorned with pastel flowers, demonstrating her constant status as a fashion icon.
Cannes 2025 witnessed a triumphant takeover by Bollywood’s style stars. Whether in heritage saris, sculptural couture, or experimental menswear, Indian celebrities brought authenticity, artistry, and attitude to the red carpet—establishing India’s fashion identity firmly on the global map.
