After a whirlwind year that saw her breakout film Laapataa Ladies directed by Kiran Rao become India’s official entry to the Oscars, and a Filmfare trophy added to her shelf, Nitanshi Goel has touched yet another milestone—her Cannes Film Festival debut.
Wearing a vibrant ensemble by Papa Don’t Preach, the 17-year-old actor stepped onto the prestigious Croisette, wide-eyed and full of dreams. “First impression of being at Cannes is that the people here are so lively!” Goel said. “It’s so overwhelming and humbling to be here.”
While she may be a newcomer to the global red carpet, Goel’s preparation has been both earnest and endearing. “I’m allowed to be very nervous because it is my first time,” she admitted. “I’ve practiced the red carpet walk at home and on the steps." (laughs)
Inspired by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — whom she calls “the Queen of Cannes” — Goel is manifesting a future that brings her closer to her idols. “I really really want to work with Mani Ratnam and Greta Gerwig,” she shared on the sidelines of the festival.
Goel’s feet, however, remain firmly planted. When asked what keeps her grounded amid the global dazzle, she simply said: “Just to be myself and be hardworking.”
The actor is sharing this milestone with her mother, who has accompanied her to the festival. “I'm going to click pictures with my mother to make memories with her and to send to my father in India,” she said. “I’m making sure she’s with me and she’s experiencing everything with me, and having fun.”