Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai made a memorable appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, draped in a classic white Banarasi saree designed by Manish Malhotra. The saree featured golden embellishments and a long flowing pallu, complemented by traditional Indian jewelry. She attended the premiere of The History of Sound and greeted the media with her signature namaste and warm smile, charming fans and photographers alike.
Aishwarya’s Cannes Journey
This marks Aishwarya’s 22nd appearance at Cannes since her debut in 2002, when she walked the red carpet for Devdas. She attended the festival with her daughter Aaradhya, arriving together at Nice airport ahead of the event. As the global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, she will also be present for other red carpet events during the festival.
Bollywood’s Presence at Cannes 2025
Alongside Aishwarya, several other Bollywood celebrities made their mark at Cannes this year. Names like Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, Aditi Rao Hydari, Karan Johar, Urvashi Rautela, Neeraj Ghaywan, and debutante Kiara Advani attended. Alia Bhatt is also scheduled for her Cannes debut. The festival also saw appearances by veteran actresses Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal.

Sindoor Look Sparks Patriotic Symbolism
Aishwarya’s choice to accessorize with a vibrant sindoor streak attracted widespread attention and praise. Fans and social media users linked her look to “Operation Sindoor,” an Indian military action launched in early May against terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Many interpreted her sindoor as a subtle, respectful nod to the Indian armed forces.
Online Reactions and Fan Support
Social media was filled with admiration for Aishwarya’s symbolic style. Fans expressed pride and appreciation, calling her a strong representation of patriotism on a global platform. Some also saw her sindoor as a quiet statement addressing rumors about her personal life, especially regarding her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan.Current Work and Future Prospects
Recently, Aishwarya appeared in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: II as Nandini. While she has yet to announce her next project, her Cannes appearance continues to solidify her status as a global icon who gracefully blends Indian heritage with international glamour.