PM Modi, Sindoor, and a hint of drama. India's Cannes takeover isn't subtle

India Today

22-05-2025

Ever since the prestigious Cannes Film Festival kicked off on April 13, the world waited with bated breath for the 'OG Cannes Queen' Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to arrive. And lo and behold, when she did, she once again managed to break the internet.While the actor looked ethereal in a Manish Malhotra ivory Banarasi saree, it was her bold statement of wearing sindoor that turned the maximum heads.advertisementMany believe that the actor dismissed divorce rumours with husband Abhishek Bachchan by wearing the symbol of her marital status boldly on the international red carpet. However, many were quick to state how it could also be a tribute to India's recent Operation Sindoor, against Pakistani terror groups.While it's still not clear whether Aishwarya Rai's sindoor held any significance, it definitely got the internet talking. As soon as photos from her Cannes appearance dropped on social media, fans were quick to laud her for her statement.
Believing it to be her way of paying respect to the Indian Army's effort, this is what a few fans said: "Queen gave perfect tribute to Operation Sindoor at Cannes," "That's how you honour 'Operation Sindoor' on a world platform. No tweets, no statements, no placards. Actions speak louder than words. Love you @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb, you are the Queen," "An ode to 'Operation Sindoor'," and "When u can support your country without saying a word." advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)Interestingly, Aditi Rao Hydari also sported sindoor in her second appearance at the Cannes. Dressed in a red Raw Mango saree with a blue border, the actor looked gorgeous as she posed for photos on the French Riviera. She completed her look with a small red bindi and gold and blue choker set. Fans were quick to applaud her look, appreciating her desi avatar. Sindoor or vermilion is considered a sacred symbol in the Hindu culture, and a mark of feminine energy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari)Meanwhile, we witnessed model-actor Sonam Chhabra wear a gown with a cape depicting the four haunting dates for the country: '2008 – Mumbai, 2016 – Uri, 2019 – Pulwama, and 2025 – Pahalgam', summing it all with the word 'UNBROKEN' etched on it. The actor, through her outfit, paid tribute to the resilience and undying spirit of the Indian people, a move that was well appreciated.
Sonam Chhabra wore a gown with a cape depicting the four haunting dates.
And then, we had an emerging actor and model, Ruchi Gujjar, walk the Cannes red carpet in a full bridal avatar, draped in gold, dripping in Rajasthani regalia, and wearing traditional kundan jewellery, but with a special shoutout to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ruchi Gujjar at Cannes.
A custom necklace featuring portraits of PM Modi nestled amidst kundan, pearls, and red enamel lotuses.Quite a statement, no?Tune InMust Watch