Alia Bhatt made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival, captivating global audiences with her fashion choices and heartfelt tributes. The actor openly discussed how Aishwarya Rai’s legacy on the Cannes red carpet inspired her, reflecting a sense of admiration and gratitude that resonated deeply with fans and industry watchers. This moment further underscores how Alia Bhatt, inspired by Aishwarya Rai at Cannes, merges Indian culture with international glamour.
Alia Bhatt’s Heartfelt Tribute to Aishwarya Rai at Cannes
During a recent interview with Brut, Alia Bhatt publicly acknowledged Aishwarya Rai as a primary inspiration behind her grand Cannes debut. Alia praised Aishwarya’s enduring presence on the global stage, highlighting her as a role model for representing India internationally. The interview clip has quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting conversations on Reddit and beyond about Bollywood’s influence at major film festivals.
Speaking about the excitement of red carpet appearances, Alia remarked,
I believe this is the time when everyone’s glued to their phones, checking out red carpet appearances and beauty looks.
—Alia Bhatt, Actor
She added her experience of watching Aishwarya on such occasions, saying,
I, for one, have actually grown up watching Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walk the carpet in all her glory and really representing India on this global stage. It was always such a huge inspiration. So it really feels very nice, like a pinch-me moment to be here. And it’s actually really lovely energy.
—Alia Bhatt, Actor
Glamorous Debut and Fashion Highlights at Cannes
Alia Bhatt graced the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival as a L’Oréal ambassador, making her first appearance with a light yellow gown embellished with floral embroidery. Shortly after, on May 24, she turned heads again in a custom Gucci ensemble described as an innovative nod to the traditional Indian saree, capturing the attention of both fashion critics and fans. This modern interpretation of Indian attire drew attention to emerging Indian design trends on the red carpet.
Public Reaction and Applause for Alia’s Acknowledgment
Fans and followers online have embraced Alia’s openness and humility in giving credit to Aishwarya Rai for paving the way for Indian actors at international events. Social media users praised her for consistently naming peers and for maintaining a respectful and gracious attitude.
One supporter observed,
One thing I’ve noticed about her is that she always gives credit and mentions other actresses—even if it’s just for the camera, it’s still admirable.
—Fan
Another individual commented,
This makes me like her a lot. She gave credit where credit is due.
—Fan
A similar sentiment was expressed in another comment,
She always does this! Always gives credit and shows respect to her peers and seniors.
—Fan
Further highlighting Alia’s approach, another said,
One thing about Alia—she consistently speaks positively about other actresses and mentions them by name. I really love that about her.
—Fan
Aishwarya Rai’s Enduring Legacy at Cannes
Aishwarya Rai holds an iconic status at the Cannes Film Festival, having gained global recognition since her first appearance in 2002 alongside Shah Rukh Khan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the premiere of “Devdas.” That year, she dazzled in a yellow sari, creating a memorable moment in both festival and Indian cinema history.
This year, Aishwarya returned to the Cannes red carpet representing a top cosmetics brand. She was widely celebrated for her custom Manish Malhotra creation—a fusion of classic Indian craftsmanship and high couture. Her attire featured a white handwoven Kadwa Banarasi sari, artfully reimagined as an elegant gown with a dramatic sheer train, intricate gold embellishments, and traditional jewelry, including sindoor. Her 22nd appearance reaffirmed her status as a symbol of Indian elegance and innovation at international events.
Significance of This Cross-Generational Inspiration
Alia Bhatt’s honest acknowledgment of Aishwarya Rai’s influence at Cannes exemplifies how Bollywood stars create legacies for each other, celebrating both tradition and evolution in international fashion. As younger artists like Alia step into the global spotlight while honoring pioneers, the connection strengthens India’s cultural presence at events like Cannes.
