Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrates Indian heritage at Cannes 2025 through a striking appearance on the red carpet, wearing a handwoven ivory Banarasi saree. Returning to the international film festival, she chose traditional Indian textiles and meaningful style details, drawing global attention to the country’s craft and cultural identity.
A Dazzling Return in Handloom Banarasi Saree
Making her latest Cannes appearance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan selected a bespoke ivory Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra, reinforcing her reputation as an ambassador for Indian fashion. The former Miss World paired the kadwa Banarasi drape—featuring intricate handloom craftsmanship inspired by Varanasi’s renowned weaving legacy—with a shimmering tissue veil and regal heirloom rubies from the Manish Malhotra Jewellery line. The ensemble paid homage to the artistry of Varanasi’s kadwa technique and was widely praised for its blend of elegance and tradition.
Showcasing Heritage, Sparking Conversations
Styled by Allia Al Rufai and Nayaab Randhawa, Aishwarya’s look extended beyond visual impact to convey deeper messages. Her hair, styled in a classic middle parting by Stephane Lancien, and makeup by Kavyesh Sharma, centered on bold red lipstick and a striking streak of sindoor. The inclusion of sindoor became a point of discussion online, with many seeing it as a possible nod to Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action in response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the loss of 28 civilians. Whether intentional or not, this choice fueled speculation about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s silent show of national solidarity, particularly as conversations had previously noted her reticence during conflicts involving India and Pakistan.
Interpreting Personal Messages Through Tradition
Other observers interpreted Aishwarya’s appearance—and specifically her visible sindoor—as a subtle response to rumors about separation from her husband, Abhishek Bachchan. Many fans believe the traditional symbolism served as a quiet reassurance, dispelling rumors and signaling unity within her family. The choice resonated strongly across social media and inspired conversations both about her personal life and her public role as a representative of modern Indian womanhood.
Cultural Impact and Ongoing Influence
Professionally, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was most recently acclaimed for her performance as Nandini in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films, a two-part historical epic released in 2022 and 2023. Her nuanced portrayal and her continued poise on- and off-screen have kept her in the public eye. With this Cannes appearance, she further cements her status as the “OG Indian Queen of Cannes,” as described by Manish Malhotra, exemplifying how Indian artistry and cultural identity can be showcased on a global platform.
Looking Forward to Continued Representation
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s standout moment at Cannes 2025, highlighted by her choice of handwoven Banarasi drape and symbolic sindoor, is seen as an embrace of both heritage and quiet messaging. This choice not only celebrates India’s rich textile traditions but also encourages dialogue about craftsmanship, identity, and national pride within international spheres. As the film festival continues, audiences anticipate further contributions from prominent Indian figures like Aishwarya, whose influence continues to bridge the worlds of cinema, fashion, and culture.
