Cannes 2025: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan flaunts her 'sindoor' at the red carpet; was it a tribute to India's recent 'Operation Sindoor'?

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan opted for a traditional look for her 2025 Cannes Film Festival debut, gracing the red carpet in an elegant ivory handloom Banarasi saree. She has been a veteran at the festival who made her debut at the festival back in 2002 along with Shah Rukh Khan for her film Devdas.

The actor, who has been a regular at Cannes for the past 20 years, made an appearance at the film gala ahead of the premiere of filmmaker Oliver Hermanus’ historical drama “The History of Sound”, starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

What did the actress wear?

Aishwarya looked resplendent in the embroidered ivory saree with a long ‘pallu’ and a flowing lace train, which was designed by ace couturier Manish Malhotra.

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She completed her look with a layered ruby necklace, also by Malhotra’s label, and vermillion in her hair parting.

“The OG Indian Queen of Cannes @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb embraces Classic White Handloom in a handwoven kadwa ivory Handloom Banarasi saree with a handwoven tissue drape and imperial heirloom of rubies from @manishmalhotrajewellery,” the designer wrote on his Instagram page.

Videos circulating on social media showed the 51-year-old actor smiling warmly and waving as she greeted fans on the red carpet.

The significance of her Sindoor

She flaunted her vermillion at the festival and people on social media felt it was her tribute to India's recent Operation Sindoor. As the actress shared her pictures on social media, they could not help but praise her.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival is witnessing a significant Indian presence this year with filmmaker Payal Kapadia being part of the main competition jury.

Bollywood icons Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal attended the world premiere of the newly restored version of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic “Aranyer Din Ratri” On Wednesday, director Neeraj Ghaywan presented his film “Homebound” at the film gala under the Un Certain Regard segment. He was accompanied by actors Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa as well as producer Karan Johar.

With added inputs from agencies