Aishwarya Rai at Cannes is basically an annual holiday for the Indian internet. Every May, without fail, the same cycle repeats: the airport photos drop, the "most beautiful woman in the world" tags start trending, and then—the look. Usually, it's something that makes half the fashion world gasp in awe and the other half rush to create memes about foil wrap or wedding curtains.
Honestly, it’s been over twenty years since she first rolled up to the Palais des Festivals. That’s a lifetime in celebrity years. Most stars have a "Cannes phase." Aishwarya Rai has a Cannes legacy.
But what most people get wrong is thinking it’s just about the clothes. It’s not. It’s about a specific kind of soft power that no other Indian actor has managed to hold onto for this long. Even in 2025, when she stepped out in that ivory Manish Malhotra saree with the heavy sindoor, it wasn't just a "look." It was a message. People were freaking out because she looked exactly like Paro from Devdas, but with this weirdly powerful "don't mess with me" energy.
The 2002 Debut: When Everything Changed
You've probably seen the grainy photos of her in that mustard-yellow saree. It was 2002. She arrived in a horse-drawn carriage with Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It sounds like a movie scene because, well, it kinda was.
They were there for Devdas. At the time, Indian films were still mostly viewed as "curiosities" by the Western elite. But then the movie ended, and the audience gave them a ten-minute standing ovation. Ten minutes. That’s enough time to boil an egg and toast bread.
Aishwarya later said that reception was "overwhelming." It wasn't just about her; it was the first time a mainstream Bollywood "masala" film got that kind of respect on such a pretentious stage. But the fashion critics? They hated it. They called the saree "too much." They said she looked like she was going to a wedding.
Which, ironically, is exactly why the Indian audience loved it. She didn't try to look like a French starlet. She looked like a queen from Calcutta.
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The L’Oreal Era and the "Purple Lip" Debacle
By 2004, Aishwarya Rai at Cannes became a permanent fixture because of her deal with L’Oreal Paris. This is where the pressure started to cook. She was no longer just representing a film; she was representing a global brand.
This led to some... choices.
- The 2003 Green Saree: A Neeta Lulla creation that many still call her "worst" look. It was just a bit messy.
- The 2004 Cut-out Dress: People said it didn't fit right. It was a silver gown that looked a bit like it was struggling to stay on.
- The 2016 Purple Lipstick: Remember the lavender lips? The internet absolutely lost its mind. People compared her to a Smurf or said she’d been eating too many jamuns.
But here’s the thing: she didn't care. Or if she did, she never showed it. She’s always had this weirdly calm way of handling trolls. She just keeps walking. That 2016 appearance was actually for the film Sarbjit, and while everyone was talking about her lipstick, she was busy getting a standing ovation for her performance inside the theater.
Why the 2025 Appearance Broke the Internet
Fast forward to 2025. The buzz was different this time. There were all these rumors floating around about her marriage, her personal life, and whether she’d even show up.
She didn't just show up; she brought the French Riviera to a standstill.
Wearing a handwoven Banarasi saree in ivory and gold, she looked like she had just stepped off the set of a period drama. But it was the sindoor—the bright red vermillion in her hair—that really got people talking. In the context of the divorce rumors, it felt like a silent, shimmering "shut up" to the tabloids.
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Then came her second look of 2025: the "Heiress of Clam" gown by Gaurav Gupta. It was a black velvet piece with a massive cape. But the kicker? The cape had a Sanskrit shloka from the Bhagavad Gita embroidered on it. It was peak maximalism. It was bold, it was heavy, and it was deeply Indian.
The "Aaradhya" Factor
You can't talk about Aishwarya Rai at Cannes without talking about her daughter, Aaradhya. Since about 2012, they’ve been a package deal.
Some people find it "too much" that she brings her daughter everywhere, but if you look at the photos, it's actually kinda sweet. While other stars are busy trying to look edgy or "single and ready to mingle," Aishwarya is basically doing the most glamorous "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" in history.
In 2024, when Aishwarya wore that Falguni Shane Peacock gown with the giant gold flowers (which took two months to make, by the way), Aaradhya was right there, often holding her hand or helping her with her dress. It changes the vibe from "Look at me, I'm a sex symbol" to "I'm a mother who happens to be a legend."
Let’s Be Real About the Criticism
Is every look a win? No. Not even close.
Sometimes the dresses are so structured she looks like she can't breathe, let alone walk. The 2023 "silver hood" look by Sophie Couture was basically a walking tent. It was cool, sure, but it looked exhausting.
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But after 22 years, what is there left to prove?
- She broke the barrier: Before her, Indian actors were rare sightings at Cannes. Now, everyone from Deepika Padukone to Alia Bhatt is a regular.
- She stayed relevant: You try staying at the top of the fashion food chain for two decades. It’s nearly impossible.
- The "Face Card": Even the harshest critics usually end their rants with, "But her face is still perfect." It’s become a running joke that her face is immune to bad styling.
What We Can Learn from Her Journey
Watching Aishwarya Rai at Cannes isn't just about looking at pretty dresses. It’s a lesson in brand longevity.
If you want to understand why she still matters, look at her 2025 Manish Malhotra look again. It wasn't trendy. It wasn't what the "cool girls" were wearing in Milan or Paris. It was traditional, it was regal, and it was unapologetically hers.
How to channel that Aishwarya energy in your own life:
- Own your choices: If you want to wear purple lipstick or a giant gold flower, do it. The criticism only lasts a day; the photos last forever.
- Ignore the noise: She’s been the target of body shaming and divorce rumors for years. Her response? She shows up, looks the cameras in the eye, and smiles.
- Evolve, don't just change: She didn't stop wearing sarees to fit in; she started wearing better sarees. She brought her culture to the world instead of leaving it at the airport.
Basically, Aishwarya Rai at Cannes is proof that you don't need to chase trends if you are the blueprint. Whether you love her style or think it’s "too much," you’re still going to be refreshing your feed next May to see what she does next. And honestly? That's the real win.
To stay updated on her next appearance or to see a full breakdown of her 2025 wardrobe, follow the official L’Oreal Paris social channels during the festival. You can also track the hashtag #AishwaryaAtCannes on Instagram to see the "behind-the-scenes" moments with her daughter that the official cameras often miss.
If you're planning a "Cannes-inspired" look for a wedding, look into the 2025 ivory Banarasi trend—Manish Malhotra’s "heritage" line is currently the most-searched style for brides wanting that specific "Thakurain" elegance. Just remember: the confidence to carry it is sold separately.