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Indian Stars Who Lit Up Cannes 2025: Fashion, Symbolism & Global Impact

Cannes 2025 was a celebration of Indian talent and storytelling, with both debutantes and veterans making powerful fashion statements. Here's how some of India's most searched celebrities captivated the world:

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Grace, Tradition & Strength

  • Designer: Manish Malhotra
  • Looks:
    • Day 1: Ivory and gold Banarasi saree with sindoor
    • Day 2: Black velvet gown with Bhagavad Gita inscription
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Operation Sindoor (Indian soldiers) and Indian spirituality (Bhagavad Gita)
  • Cannes Appearances: Over 20 years

A Cannes veteran, Aishwarya continued her legacy with looks that blended tradition and message-driven fashion. Her cape inscribed with a Gita shloka became one of the most talked-about fashion moments.

Shah Rukh Khan: The King at Met Gala 2025

  • Designer: Unknown
  • Look: All-black regal outfit
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Classic royalty, understated glamour
  • Cannes Appearances: None at Cannes 2025, but trended globally for Met Gala

While SRK did not attend Cannes 2025, his debut at Met Gala with a royal all-black ensemble created a global buzz, reflecting his timeless charm.

Diljit Dosanjh: Punjabi Pride

  • Designer: Prabal Gurung
  • Look: White Sikh royal ensemble with turban and ceremonial sword
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Sikh heritage and Punjabi pride
  • Cannes Appearances: None, debut at Met Gala 2025

Diljit’s look was a striking representation of cultural pride, winning praise for originality and authenticity.


Nitanshi Goel: Youthful Debut

  • Designer: Unknown
  • Look: Black-and-gold glamorous gown
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Elegance, youth, and Bollywood charm

The Laapataa Ladies star stunned the crowd, being compared to Selena Gomez and Shraddha Kapoor for her elegance and presence.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Absence Felt, Legacy Remains

  • Designer: N/A
  • Look: Did not attend Cannes 2025
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Known for bold fashion statements and global activism in past appearances
  • Cannes Appearances: 2019 (noted for dramatic gowns and representing India on the world stage)

Although she was absent this year, Priyanka's past Cannes appearances still resonate with fans and followers.

Janhvi Kapoor: A Regal Tribute to Sridevi

  • Designer: Tarun Tahiliani
  • Look: Blush pink ethnic gown with pearl detailing
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Her late mother, Sridevi
  • Cannes Appearances: 1st

Janhvi’s look was a perfect blend of legacy and elegance, earning praise for its soft yet striking symbolism.


Sonam Chhabra: Fashion as Protest

  • Designer: Unknown
  • Look: Gown embroidered with Indian terror attack references
  • Tribute/Inspiration: Victims of terror attacks in India (26/11, Uri, Pulwama)
  • Cannes Appearances: 1st

Sonam’s debut was a bold reminder that fashion can be a medium for memory and message

Nancy Tyagi: DIY Couture and Controversy

  • Designer: Self-styled / The Source Bombay
  • Looks:
    • Day 1: Mint green floral gown with dramatic shoulder piece and tulle train adorned with roses
    • Day 2: Pearl-encrusted mini dress with voluminous beige overcoat featuring puffed sleeves and a long trail
  • Tribute/Inspiration:
    • Day 1: Floral architecture and fairytale aesthetics
    • Day 2: Tribute to her mother; the champagne color was her mother's favorite

Nancy Tyagi, a 24-year-old fashion influencer from Delhi, returned to the Cannes red carpet in 2025 with two distinct looks. Her first outfit, a self-stitched mint green gown inspired by floral architecture and fairytale drama, showcased her craftsmanship and creativity. She sourced the fabric from Seelampur in North East Delhi and hand-crafted each detail, including a dramatic shoulder piece and a tulle train blooming with hand-crafted roses.

Her second look, a pearl-encrusted mini dress paired with a voluminous beige overcoat, was a tribute to her mother, as the champagne color was her mother's favorite. However, this outfit sparked controversy when singer Neha Bhasin accused Nancy of falsely claiming to have stitched the dress herself. Neha pointed out similarities between Nancy's dress and one she had previously worn, suggesting that Nancy may have purchased the dress from The Source Bombay. The founder of the brand, Surbhi Gupta, confirmed that Nancy had purchased the dress for ₹25,000, though the cape she wore might have been self-made.

Despite the divided opinions, Nancy's journey from a self-taught designer to a global fashion presence showcases her determination and creativity, solidifying her legacy as a red carpet innovator

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