Cannes Spotlight: Indian Talent and Timeless Glamour Take Center Stage

Cannes Film Festival as a vibrant and diverse group of celebrities represented the country on one of the world’s most prestigious red carpets.

From legends of Indian cinema to young rising stars and digital fashion influencers, the Indian presence at Cannes this year was both nostalgic and forward-looking, celebrating not only cinematic artistry but also cultural identity and fashion innovation.

Veteran actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal brought a wave of cinematic history to the Croisette with their graceful appearance at the screening of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri. The film, restored in 4K for a new generation of viewers, received a prestigious showcase, and their presence was further elevated by the introduction from celebrated American filmmaker Wes Anderson. Known for his visually distinctive and emotionally layered films, Anderson has frequently cited Satyajit Ray as one of his most influential inspirations. His tribute to Ray and the introduction of Tagore and Garewal underscored the enduring global relevance of Indian cinema’s pioneers.

Sharmila Tagore, who starred in Aranyer Din Ratri, appeared in a regal saree that reflected both heritage and elegance, while Simi Garewal, equally iconic in her own right, wore a classic monochrome ensemble, evoking the sophisticated charm that has long defined her public image. Their reunion on the red carpet was a moment of reverence for classic Indian cinema and its contribution to global film culture.

Representing the new wave of Bollywood, Janhvi Kapoor made a confident Cannes appearance for the premiere of her latest film Homebound, co-starring Ishaan Khatter. Scheduled to debut in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section on May 21, Homebound is being closely watched as a serious artistic turn for Kapoor. The film reportedly explores themes of familial dislocation and emotional resilience, marking a shift in tone for the young actress, who has gradually evolved from commercial cinema into more introspective roles. Her choice of attire—an understated yet glamorous pastel gown—balanced modern style with classic grace, catching the attention of international fashion observers.

Also turning heads at the festival was Nancy Tyagi, a fashion influencer whose presence broke new ground for digital content creators in traditionally elite fashion circles. Tyagi’s self-stitched outfit—a dramatic pastel-toned ensemble with intricate pleating—became a viral moment across Indian and international media. Her candid revelation about designing and stitching her own outfit sparked debates online about authenticity, creativity, and the democratization of fashion. Singer Neha Bhasin weighed in on the viral moment, praising the ingenuity while adding a playful note of commentary about the fashion world’s evolving standards.

Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez brought quintessential glamour to the red carpet with her appearance for the Red Sea Film Festival segment of Cannes. Clad in a red corseted couture gown, Fernandez represented the intersection of cinema and cross-cultural collaboration, emphasizing the growing ties between Indian and Middle Eastern film industries. Her presence, amplified by her confident walk and bold styling, reinforced her status as one of the most photographed celebrities at the festival.

One of the most touching moments of Cannes 2025 was the debut of 17-year-old actress Nitanshi Goel. Arriving at the festival in a look that paid tribute to legendary women of Indian cinema, Goel’s ensemble referenced iconic film roles from stars such as Nargis, Madhubala, and Meena Kumari. Her choice was widely praised for its thoughtfulness and emotional depth, especially given her young age. In interviews, Goel expressed her admiration for the women who paved the way for future generations in Indian cinema and her aspiration to carry forward their legacy with integrity and passion.

Singer-songwriter Raveena Mehta, a familiar presence at Cannes, returned once again, continuing her longstanding association with the festival. Mehta has attended Cannes regularly since 2017, often as a performer for designer Dimple Amrin’s events. Known for blending Indian classical elements with Western music, her style and performances have consistently drawn praise. This year, Mehta wore a shimmering gold gown with structured detailing and performed at an exclusive fashion soirée, adding a musical flourish to India’s cultural representation at the festival.

Together, the Indian contingent at Cannes 2025 illustrated the country’s multi-dimensional presence on the global stage—not just in terms of cinema, but also through music, fashion, and digital influence. From timeless elegance to fresh artistic voices, the diverse spectrum of attendees demonstrated the evolving narrative of India in the international arts landscape.

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