The Cannes Film Festival stands as one of the most prestigious and glamorous events globally, where filmmakers, actors, and artists unite to celebrate the art of cinema. Each year, the festival witnesses unforgettable moments, particularly on the red carpet, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. In 2018, during the festival’s 71st edition, a remarkable encounter transpired when Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was utterly mesmerized by Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s beauty and grace.
K Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, renowned for his role as Jaime Lannister in HBO’s hit series, is no stranger to the allure of powerful women. However, even he couldn’t hide his admiration for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a global icon of Bollywood. The two met at the film festival while attending the screening of the movie Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain), where they both walked the red carpet.
Aishwarya, a regular at Cannes for years, stunned onlookers in a breathtaking butterfly-inspired Michael Cinco gown that immediately garnered attention. Her ethereal appearance, coupled with her signature grace, made her one of the hottest topics of conversation on that year’s red carpet. According to a report from India Today, Nikolaj playfully asked a reporter, “You want to click a picture with me and her?” while gesturing towards Aishwarya. When informed that she had been attending Cannes for 17 years, the Game of Thrones star expressed his amazement by saying, “Seventeen years! Wow! That’s quite something. And she is so stunning. She’s the global ambassador, isn’t she?”
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has represented the Cannes Film Festival for over two decades, advocating for both Indian cinema and global beauty brand L’Oréal Paris. Her appearances at the festival are highly anticipated, with each red carpet look becoming iconic. Beyond her fashion, she has consistently promoted Indian cinema on international platforms, attending premieres, discussions, and jury panels throughout the years.
This brief but memorable interaction between Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sent waves of excitement among fans, igniting discussions about the global impact of Indian cinema and its stars. As images and stories of their encounter spread across social media, it became evident that Aishwarya’s charm and elegance once again transcended borders, leaving even an international star like Coster-Waldau in awe. This moment served not just as a testament to admiration but also highlighted how Bollywood continues to resonate on the world stage, earning recognition from some of Hollywood’s most notable names.
