Youth Incorporated Magazine

The Cannes Film Festival, being the most prestigious film festival, tuning up for its 77th edition in 2024. Celebrated annually in the French Riviera town of Cannes, this historic event brings together the crème de la crème of the film industry, including directors, actors, producers, and a host of industry professionals, to celebrate cinematic excellence from across the globe. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Indian celebrities who graced the event with their captivating traditional Indian outfit. Bollywood’s style icons showcased the elegance and versatility of Indian fashion on the international stage and represented Indian Culture globally. 

And Let’s delve into the stunning Indian looks that stole the show 

1- Sunanda Sharma

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The singer attracted audiences by wearing a graceful ivory Punjabi suit. She dressed up in a heavily layered but plain kameez with full sleeves, paired with a dhoti salwar. She draped a dupatta adorned with detailed embroidery along the borders of her body. For a more dignifying look, she wore a maang tikka on her forehead and a nath (nose ring). “The inspiration to wear a white suit came from a beautiful bird Hans (swan). My decision to wear a traditional suit at Cannes was a tribute to all Punjabis and every Indian that they should accept their identity with pride. No gown or any other Western look came to my mind other than a suit when I got the invite to attend the Cannes,” she clarified in one of the interviews. 

2- Shahana Goswami 

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Shahana Goswami a Btown actress was dressed and opted for a stunning drape by designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla in a magnificently hand-embroidered Swarovski crystal blouse from the brand new The Raj collection. The highlight of this stunning look is truly the blouse, which features a deep U-shaped neckline and sleeveless straps. The same sparkling jewels repeat on a waistband that merges fabulously with the look. The saree in itself exuded sheer elegance with its monochrome pattern, with jewel-toned earrings from Tribe Amrapali. For makeup, she chose a dewy base, dramatic eyes, winged eyeliner and glowy glam. 

3- Aimee Baruah 

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The Assamese actor stole the entire show with her breathtaking ‘mekhela sador’. This traditional Assamese garment, crafted from pure Muga silk, is known for its rich golden hue and natural sheen. Baruah’s mekhela sador featured intricate, centuries-old motifs, adding a touch of history. The meticulously woven sador, a true testament to Assamese craftsmanship, perfectly embodied the vibrant heritage of her region. Her choice of outfit not only highlighted the elegance and beauty of Assamese clothing but also underscored the importance of cultural representation in global events. 

4- Chaya Kadam 

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The actress gaining recognition for her role in Laapata Ladies, added a heartfelt touch to her Cannes debut by wearing her late mother’s saree and nathni (nose ring) to the screening of her movie, As We Imagine Light. This emotional tribute highlighted the sentimental value and culturally significant essence of Indian attire.

In her recent interview, she spoke about how someone from Mumbai teased her saying that she looked like she was dancing in her courtyard. To which she replied, “Kyun nahin (Why not)?’ Just to be part of the main competition after 30 years is a huge achievement, not to mention the award that we won. Why follow protocol? Hum apni khushi aise hi dikhaate hain, kood kood kar (That’s how we express our joy, by breaking into a dance).”

5- Preity Zinta 

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Preity Zinta with the saree on an international red carpet shines with glorious pride, serving a creamy pink saree moment with a dollop of sparkle to go on the side. Her pink saree look was made for a monochromatic moment too for which she received help from her long statement Chopard earrings. She left her hair in soft outward blowout curls and makeup topped with fluttery lashes and a soft pink touch on the lids and lips for her second appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. It was no surprise that her return to the Cannes red carpet was nothing short of it either. 

6- Ratna Pathak and Naseeruddin Shah 

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Veteran Bollywood actor-couple Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah made a stunning debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. During the screening of Shyam Benegal’s Manthan starring Naseruddin Shah, the actors walked the red carpet donning ethnic attire. Naseeruddin wore a white sherwani with maroon buttons, while Ratna was spotted wearing her saree and a lavender-hued, custom-crafted blouse handwoven from recycled cotton and plant dye. The film won two National Film Awards in 1977: for Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Screenplay. It was also India’s official entry to the 1976 Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film Category.

These are the most known Indian celebrities of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival who presented their heritage and love for their culture through fashion. From Sunanda Sharma singer to the most iconic couple Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah in Bollywood representing Indian traditional outfits very gracefully had a large impact on the viewers. By embracing traditional silhouettes and incorporating modern elements, they created a unique blend that resonated worldwide.