An annual festival showcasing some of the world's best movies takes place in Cannes every year. The Cannes Film Festival isn’t limited to just cinema. It’s also a high fashion event that celebrates fashion. In fact, the Cannes Red Carpet is a coveted moment where celebrities turn up in the best of couture - from outfits to accessories. And this year will be no different as the festival celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Bollywood stars, from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Deepika Padukone, who has been walking the red carpet are synonymous with the film festival when it comes to Indian presence. What makes it even more exciting this year is the announcement of Padukone among the list of jury members at the upcoming 75th Festival De Cannes. She is part of the exclusive and very illustrious eight-member jury presided by French actor Vincent Lindon. She is joined by Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, actress screenwriter producer Rebecca Hall, Italian actress Jasmine Trinca, French director Ladj Ly, American director Jeff Nichols and director Joachim Trier from Norway.
Moreover, as both India and Cannes celebrate their 75th anniversary, India is the official ‘Country of Honour’ for the year at the upcoming 'Marche' Du Film', organised alongside the Cannes Film Festival, in France. As the highlight of India’s participation at the Cannes Film Festival, the opening night of the festival will focus on India's film heritage and culture. Additionally, there will be an exclusive screening of Satyajit Ray's rare movie Pratidwandi, while the movie Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, directed by actor R Madhavan, will have its world premiere.
Apart from the Indian regulars at Cannes, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the red carpet event at the 75th Cannes Film Festival will be a gala one for the Indian audience, this year. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur will lead the delegation from India to Cannes.
Along with him, actor Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, Pooja Hegde, music maestro A R Rahman and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur are among the film personalities who will walk the red carpet on the opening day of the festival. Renowned folk singer Mame Khan, actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nayanthara, Tamannaah Bhatia, and two-time Grammy-winning composer Rickey Kej and CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi are also part of the Indian contingent at the festival.
As the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is set to kick off on May 17 in the South of France, we take a look at the Indian celebrities who will be walking down the Cannes Red Carpet this year.
1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
The former Miss World 1994 and actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a Cannes regular. Debuting way back in 2002 for the premiere of the movie, Devdas, she has elegantly taken the red carpet with unmatched confidence and style since then. Her 2018-look in a dramatic lavender-hued gown with a long train, courtesy of Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco remains a classic. It has also been reported that the actor will attend the festival this year, though an official confirmation is yet to be made.
2. Deepika Padukone
A Cannes jury this time, Deepika Padukone has become a master at delivering standout sartorial moments on the Cannes red carpet in a short span of time. Her debut dates back to the year 2010 wearing an ivory and gold saree from designer Rohit Bal. As per reports, Cannes 2022 will make Padukone’s big appearance, as part of her collaboration with the French luxury house, Louis Vuitton. It is reported that she would be walking the red carpet for all of the 10 days. Moreover, the actress has also been signed as one of the global ambassadors of the brand.
3. Masoom Minawala
Content creator, Masoom Minawala made her big Cannes debut last year. She made her sparkling appearance on the red carpet in a spectacular Manish Malhotra saree with cape sleeves that was made for a fashionista like her. According to a popular Instagram account Diet Sabya, Masoom Minawala has confirmed that she would be returning to this year’s Cannes red carpet event.
4. Aditi Rao Hydari
Actor Aditi Rao Hydari is synonymous with her regal and timeless style and is always seen donning classic silhouettes. A charismatic performer, Hydari confirmed she would be making her big Cannes debut this year, representing the innovative global smartphone brand Vivo India. Whether it's about her acting skills or beautiful looks, it would be exhilarating to find out what the actor has up her fashion sleeves.
5. Raveena Mehta
Indian artist and singer, Raveena Mehta has also confirmed that she would be walking the red carpet this year. The singer rose to prominence for her music track, the acoustic version of the song Casanova with actor Tiger Shroff. She was last seen on the Cannes’ red carpet in the year 2018 when she offered her tribute to the late actor, Sridevi wearing a handcrafted Sridevi-printed gown at the event.
6. Nidhi Sunil
Actor and activist Nidhi Sunil is known for her impeccable fashion choices. She made her Cannes debut last year and is said to return to the red carpet this year too. Last year, she walked the red carpet in a wispy, ethereal white gown by Rabih Kayrouz, and chose a statement-making Rahul Mishra number for the gala opening night.
7. Diipa Buller-Khosla
Content creator, Diipa Khosla made her third appearance last year. She chose a Falguni Shane Peacock lehenga on the first day and a crystal-embellished structured gown by designer Tony Ward thereafter. It is rumoured that Diipa will be returning to the Cannes again but she is yet to confirm her attendance.
For the last decade, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has headlined the Cannes red carpet with her innovative and iconic fashion choices. However, it is rumoured that the actor would be giving this year's event a miss.
That said, the final and confirmed list of celebrities walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival will be revealed only at the time of the event.