EXCLUSIVE | Actor and content creator Sufi Motiwala on his Cannes 2026 appearance: 'When I first arrived, it honestly felt like...'

Actor and content creator Sufi Motiwala, who was seen in Prime Video's show Do You Wanna Partner, made his appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. And he spoke exclusively to Firstpost about his experience and many other things like his earliest memories and people trolling actors on social media.

Edited excerpts from the interview

How has the experience at Cannes been?

It has been absolutely magical. As someone who has been watching, obsessing over, and covering Cannes for the last three years, being here feels surreal. When I first arrived, it honestly felt like I was watching a live stream in real life. It was only when the interviewer asked me the first question then it truly hit me, I’m actually here.

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What are your earliest memories of the festival?

I don’t really remember my earliest memory of the festival, but one of my favourite Cannes moments will always be watching Alia Bhatt's Armani blue look with Hegar. Everything about that moment was so memorable and special to me.

Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan graced the red carpet in 2002 for Devdas. How much has the festival evolved over the years?

I think the festival hasn’t just evolved, it has become much bigger and more expansive than it was 20 years ago. It now represents so much more. But I think that’s the beauty of the world in general, everything is constantly changing, growing, and becoming larger than life.

Even if influencers pay to attend the festival or get photographed, is there anything wrong with that?

At the end of the day, it’s their money, and they can choose how they want to spend it. Similarly, audiences are entitled to their own opinions about it. So who am I to judge anyone for it? My focus has always been on the fashion itself.

Is it disappointing when Indian actors are trolled on social media for attending film festivals?

Of course it is, because people invest so much time, money, energy, and effort into being here, only to be discredited instantly online. It’s ironic coming from me because I critique fashion all the time, but for me, it has always been about the fashion, never about discrediting the person or taking away from their moment. Unfortunately, a lot of online trolls don’t care what you’re wearing or how incredible you look. If they dislike someone, they’ll criticise them regardless.

How important is a fashion moment or fashion look at a film festival?

Fashion is important, but it’s not the most important thing. Cannes, especially, has some of the strict dress codes and rules. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel confident and like the best version of yourself.

Your look by Aisha Rao represented Indian craftsmanship and sustainability. What was the thought behind it, and why did you choose this look for your red carpet debut?

A lot of people on the internet assume my career is only about critiquing other people’s fashion, but it’s much more than that. It takes a lot of work and emotional energy as well. For this look, I wanted to subtly reference that conversation. We chose a fabric made from “Resham remnants,” which are leftover pieces from garments previously created in the atelier. Those remnants were then transformed into this beautiful jacket for me, making the look both meaningful and sustainable.