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Cannes 2025 Best Dressed: From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Janhvi Kapoor to Payal Kapadia
The Cannes red carpet has always been about fashion, as much as it has, films. A-list stars and fresh talent alike represented Indian fashion on the global stage this year in sarees, couture gowns and contemporary silhouettes.
One of the highlights at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was India taking centre stage. From veteran actress Sharmila Tagore to younger stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter and Nitanshi Goel, along with producer Karan Johar and host Simi Garewal, Indian talent was strongly represented. But the coolest part? They brought Indian craftsmanship to the global red carpet, putting tradition and design in the spotlight.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
One of the most-awaited looks at the Cannes red carpet every year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a notable return wearing a handwoven Kadwa ivory Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra. The saree, crafted using the traditional Kadwa brocade technique from Varanasi, features individually woven motifs created with multiple shuttles and supplementary threads. It was adorned with silver zari embroidery and paired with a sheer tissue dupatta finished in gold and silver zardozi work. The look aimed to present Indian handloom as contemporary couture, stepping away from typical red carpet fashion and reimagining ceremonial Indian wear for a global audience.
Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi Kapoor made a striking Cannes debut in a bespoke blush pink Tarun Tahiliani creation. Woven in Banaras using real tissue fabric, the ensemble fused tradition with couture — featuring the designer's trademark corset blouse, pleated lehenga and a flowing drape. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Janhvi's look was completed with a 22-carat diamond necklace from Amaris by Prerna Rajpal. The actor, whose film, Homebound, was in competition in 2025, also wore a custom Anamika Khanna creation the next day.
Ishaan Khatter
Did Yuvaraj Aviraaj "Fizzy" Singh just land up at Cannes? Ishaan Khatter made his red carpet appearance in a custom bordeaux velvet bandhgala by Gaurav Gupta, detailed with Celtic-inspired zardozi embroidery. Styled with sleek trousers and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph, the actor delivered a striking East-meets-West fashion moment — quietly luxurious, sharply tailored and unmistakably bold.
Sharmila Tagore
The ever-graceful Sharmila Tagore wore a classic green saree, and paired it with minimalistic jewellery. The saree, featuring zari borders and traditional motifs was a testament to the actor's enduring personal style. She attended the screening of Satyajit Ray's 1970 film Aranyer Din Ratri which was restored by filmmaker Wes Anderson.
Nithanshi Goel
Laapataa Ladies star Nithanshi Goel turned heads in a custom ivory saree by Jade, honouring legendary Indian cinema icons. Her standout accessory — a pearl crown by Be Abhika — featured mini photo frames of stars like Madhubala and Sridevi. Styled by Shrey and Urja, her look balanced nostalgia with modern sensibility, paying tribute to India’s cinematic legacy while celebrating traditional craftsmanship on a global stage. "Honouring the women who shaped our screens and our dreams," read her caption on Instagram. "Their presence, their artistry has always felt like magic to me."
Payal Kapadia
Filmmaker and jury member Payal Kapadia made a quiet yet commanding style statement in a deconstructed plaid suit by Arjun Saluja. Styled by Indrakshi Pattanaik, the look drew from 1980s power dressing. Silver jewellery by Tribe Amrapali added nuace as Kapadia embraced minimalist sophistication, resonating with this year’s refined dress code.
Shalini Passi
The philanthropist, art patron, actor and indisputable fashionista wore literal art on her debut Cannes carpet in 2025. A custom hand-painted gown by designer Manish Malhotra, infused with the visual poetry of Padma Shri awardee Paresh Maity’s art. Inspired by his famous work Longitude 77°, the gown paid tribute to India's longitude. This echoed Radhika Merchant’s 2024 Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla lehenga, hand-painted by Jayasri Burman. Both looks celebrated Indian artistry, blending couture with fine art and storytelling.