Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, India's beloved actress and ex-Miss World, has been a favorite at the Cannes Film Festival ever since she made her debut in 2002. With those stunning red carpet appearances, she has become a fashion icon on a global scale. In 2025, at her 22nd visit to the grand event, Aishwarya again overshadowed everyone with looks that perfectly married Indian heritage and modern chic. Let's go through the details of her dazzling appearances this year!
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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Stunning Saree Look
For her Cannes 2025 red carpet debut, Aishwarya opted for Indian couturier Manish Malhotra for a show-stopping ivory Banarasi saree. Crafted with the laborious kadwa weave technique, the saree glimmered under slender gold accents, oozing ageless sophistication. She wore it draped classically, accessorized with a sheer tissue dupatta flowing down over her shoulder.
Her jewelry was equally riveting. Aishwarya draped herself with Manish Malhotra High Jewellery's heirloom ruby necklaces made of 18k gold, providing a pop of color against the subdued hues of the saree. The showstopper, though, was the bold splash of red sindoor in her locks—a classic Indian nuptial symbol that sent a forceful message abroad.
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The Reaction to Her Look
Aishwarya's debut look was greeted with over-the-top acclaim. Social media fans dubbed her the "Queen of Cannes," a nickname she's accumulated through her years of unforgettable red-carpet appearances. Fashion observers praised her for paying homage to her cultural heritage, with many commenting that the sindoor was a brazen and stunning tribute to Indian heritage. At a festival saturated with Western haute couture, the decision to wear a saree was a triumph of Indian craftsmanship and identity.
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Her Second Time Around
Far from resting on her glory, Aishwarya came back for a second stint that was just as spellbinding. This time around, she sported a stunning black couture gown by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta, named "Heiress of Clam." The dress had intricate hand embroidery in silver, gold, charcoal, and black, producing a dramatic silhouette. Adding a dash of drama, she wore it with a Banarasi brocade cape, woven by hand in Varanasi and emblazoned with a Sanskrit shloka from the Bhagavad Gita. This blend of modern style and ancient staples reinforced her role as a cultural bridge through fashion.
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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Impact on Cannes
The pinnacle of iconism was demonstrated by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 2025 Cannes red carpet appearances. Her gown demonstrated her versatility and sense of modern couture, while her saree ensemble proudly and gracefully honored Indian heritage. She demonstrated her remarkable ability to blend tradition and modernity in both ensembles, making a significant contribution to the festival's history. Once again, Aishwarya showed us why she is still a true red carpet queen.