Aishwarya Rai Graces Cannes 2025 in Traditional Elegance, Spotlight on Indian Cinema

Veteran actor Aishwarya Rai made a much-anticipated appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, continuing her legacy as one of India’s most iconic representatives at the prestigious event. Marking her 22nd red carpet walk, Rai captivated global audiences with a blend of tradition and glamour.

"Fans have been waiting patiently for Aishwarya Rai to arrive at the Cannes Film Festival and the actor did not disappoint with her first look on the red carpet." The celebrated actor turned heads at the premiere of The History of Sound, donning a white sari adorned with intricate Indian jewelry.

"Dripping in traditional Indian jewels, the actor made a stunning entry in a white sari at the premiere of The History of Sound." Her ensemble featured a long pallu gracefully draped over her left shoulder and a delicate lace train cascading from her right, blending Indian aesthetics with contemporary elegance.

"Pictures and videos of Aishwarya posing for photographers soon surfaced on social media." As she greeted the crowd, Rai offered a "namaste" to the paparazzi and engaged warmly with fans. "She held her hands to do a namaste at the paparazzi, and flashed a radiant smile." Her presence was further amplified by her role as a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. "She was also seen waving at fans and blowing flying kisses at them as she made her way through the steps of the grand palais."

"This is her 22nd red carpet walk at the festival." Rai first made her Cannes debut in 2002 with the screening of Devdas, a moment that established her as a recurring figure at the international festival. "The global superstar made her dazzling debut on the red carpet when her film Devdas premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival."

This year, Indian cinema continues to make a strong impression on the global stage. Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound has been selected under the Un Certain Regard category. "Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound has been selected in Un Certain Regard category at Cannes Film Festival." The film’s premiere was met with critical acclaim and a 9-minute standing ovation. "The film had its world premiere on Wednesday where it received a 9-minute long standing ovation."

Featuring actors Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound's cast and crew participated in both the red carpet walk and the festival’s official photocall. "Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The cast and crew also walked the red carpet together, and attended the photocall session for the film."

Adding to the cultural resonance, Satyajit Ray’s classic Aranyer Din Ratri was showcased under the Cannes Classics section, introduced by filmmaker Wes Anderson. "Satyajit Ray's Aranyer Din Ratri was screened as part of the Cannes Classics section." Veteran actors Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal attended the screening, which also received a standing ovation. "Cast members Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal were present at the screening, which received a standing ovation."

"Filmmaker Wes Anderson introduced the film, which has been restored with the help of Film Heritage Foundation."

In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, director Payal Kapadia returned to Cannes, this time as a member of the festival’s main competition jury. "Meanwhile, Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia is part of the main competition jury this year." Her presence follows a historic win last year, when she became the first Indian to receive the Grand Prix for her debut feature All We Imagine As Light. "This marks Payal's return to Cannes a year after she created history as the first Indian director to win the Grand Prix for her debut feature film All We Imagine As Light, a joint India and France production."

As India continues to shine at Cannes, this year’s festival reaffirms the growing global impact of Indian cinema and the enduring elegance of its representatives on the world stage.