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New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Why I find Aishwarya Rai's and Deepika Padukone's Cannes outings troubling
Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Sonam Kapoor have long explored the Cannes Film Festival as a stage to showcase not their work but themselves, possibly because they are more attractive and intelligent than their movies. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes veteran since 2002, is a prime example of Cannes commodity objectification. Her filmography, including commercial hits like Jodhaa Akbar or Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, prioritizes her as a spectacle over substance. Yet she is a red-carpet darling, frequently representing L'Oréal, and misrepresenting herself as an actor. In 2022, Aishwarya wore a custom Gaurav Gupta Couture gown, described as a 'sculptural piece with minimal accessories', whatever that means, and a Dolce & Gabbana floral black dress. Her 2025 appearance featured an ivory Kadwa Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra, paired with ruby heirloom jewelry from his High Jewelry line, with the saree alone estimated at ₹15-20 lakh ( $18,000-$24,000) and the jewelry potentially exceeding ₹1 crore ($120,000) due to its 500-carat ruby embellishments. A couple of great movies could be produced within the budget of her accessories. Deepika Padukone, another L'Oréal ambassador, has also prioritized Cannes' glamour over cinematic heft. Her roles in films like Padmaavat or Bajirao Mastani dazzle visually but predictably lack narrative depth, with critics noting their reliance on lavish sets over storytelling. In 2022, as a Cannes jury member, she wore a black and gold sequined Sabyasachi saree, estimated at ₹5-7 lakh ($6,000-$8,400), paired with statement jewelry from Sabyasachi's Bengal Royale Collection, valued at ₹10-15 lakh ($12,000-$18,000). Her red Louis Vuitton gown that year, with a plunging neckline and short train, was priced around $20,000-$30,000, with a diamond necklace adding $15,000-$25,000. Her 2018 fuchsia Ashi Studio gown cost approximately $15,000 to $25,000. These queenly ensembles contrast sharply with her film choices, like Gehraiyaan, which was panned for its shallow emotional core. Sonam Kapoor, known for her fashion-forward image, has starred in instantly forgettable films like Players or Mausam, yet her Cannes appearances are meticulously curated. In 2018, she wore a custom Ralph & Russo lehenga, estimated at ₹20-25 lakh ($24,000-$30,000), with Chopard jewelry valued at $50,000-$80,000. Her 2017 baby pink Elie Saab gown, styled with chandelier earrings by Kalyan Jewels, cost around $15,000-$25,000, with accessories adding $10,000-$20,000. Her 2013 gold and white Anamika Khanna saree, paired with a statement nose ring, was priced at ₹8-10 lakh ($9,600-$12,000). These high-cost looks amplify her "fashionista" persona, but films like The Zoya Factor underscore her limited cinematic contribution. Each year, a parade of Indian celebrities descends upon the French Riviera, draped in trailing gowns as long as a mile and tailored tuxedos, posing for paparazzi and flooding social media with carefully curated glamour shots. If only the care that goes into gowns also went into their movies. The problem isn't their 'look at me' entries. Global film festivals thrive on international representation. But the stark disconnect between the mediocrity of our actors back home and the gravitas they attempt to project at Cannes is telling. Bollywood, for all its cultural dominance and massive output—churning out over hundreds of films annually—rarely produces work that stands up to scrutiny. The majority of its mainstream fare is dull and tediously formulaic: melodramatic family sagas, recycled romantic tropes, or action flicks where the hero or the heroine triumphs over loud evil characters in oiled wigs. All of it guarantees ennui. Since we are in a gender-neutral age, consider their Hollywood male cohorts like Brad Pitt or Leonardo De Caprio. Pitt produced 12 Years a Slave, and gave himself a small supporting role. He backed Moonlight and produced The Big Short—movies that tackle complex themes with nuance and ambition. Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions delivered The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon, projects that push boundaries in craft and narrative. These stars don't attend festivals just for clout; they're invested in cinema as an art form, using their influence to fund stories that challenge, provoke, or redefine the medium. When they appear at Cannes, it's often tied to a project with weight. Their red-carpet moments are a byproduct, not the purpose. This isn't to say Indian cinema lacks talent or potential. Directors like Anurag Kashyap or Kiran Rao, Payal Kapadia, or Anant Mahadevan have shown what is possible when creativity trumps formula. But the stars who dominate Cannes' red carpet are rarely attached to such projects. The Bollywood industry's occasional gems—like Gully Boy or Tumbbad—rarely match the storytelling depth or technical finesse of global cinema. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes regular for over two decades, again, is a case in point. Her filmography, while commercially successful, includes forgettable fare like Jodhaa Akbar or Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which prioritize spectacle over substance. The counterargument might be that Cannes is a global stage, and Bollywood's presence helps put Indian cinema on the map. Fair enough—visibility matters. But visibility for whom? The films showcased in Cannes' competitive sections are rarely the masala entertainers these stars headline. Instead, it's the low-budget, independent Indian films—often ignored by Bollywood's elite—that occasionally make it to the festival's Un Certain Regard or parallel sections. All That We Imagine As Light is an example. The stars' presence, then, feels like a distraction, drawing attention away from the filmmakers who deserve the spotlight. Their red-carpet antics overshadow the real work of Indian cinema, perpetuating a rather sadly true narrative that Bollywood is all glitz and no substance. If Bollywood stars want to be taken seriously at Cannes, they should take a page from their Hollywood counterparts. Invest in stories that matter. For the price of a gown or two, make a good movie. Champion scripts that challenge conventions. Produce films that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best at the festival. Until then, their presence at Cannes will remain what it often feels like: a fashion show masquerading as a cinematic pilgrimage with little to show for it beyond Instagram reels and fleeting headlines on Page 3. (CP Surendran is a poet, novelist and screenplay writer whose latest novel is One Love and the Many Lives of Osip B. He can be reached at cpsurendran@ Views are personal.)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Ahaan Panday impressed Shah Rukh Khan with his dance to 'I am the Best' at sister Alanna Panday's wedding
Ahaan Panday is making waves after the teaser of his debut film Saiyaara, backed by , dropped online. Fans and celebs alike are praising his striking screen presence. While the internet buzzes with excitement, it brings back memories of his standout moment at sister Alanna Panday's 2023 wedding—where he boldly danced to SRK's hit I Am The Best right in front of the superstar himself, and managed to leave him impressed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ahaan's Bold Performance in Front of SRK Joined by actor Karan Mehta, Ahaan Panday brought style and swagger to sister Alanna Panday's wedding in a crisp white shirt and black pants. Stealing the spotlight, he danced to I Am The Best while and watched on, exchanging knowing smiles that said it all. Going Viral with an SRK Monologue Around the same time, Ahaan Panday also grabbed attention for a viral video where he recreated Shah Rukh Khan's iconic 'Ek tarfa pyaar' monologue from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. In the original scene, SRK delivers a powerful line about unrequited love to , saying, 'Ek tarfa pyaar ki taqat hi kuch aur hoti hai... Sirf mera haq hai iss pe.' Ahaan's heartfelt take on the scene only added to the buzz surrounding his screen presence. Saiyaara Teaser Drops, Ahaan's Big Debut Meanwhile, YRF has dropped the teaser of Saiyaara, an intense love story marking Ahaan Panday's big-screen debut. Starring opposite him is Aneet Padda, who impressed audiences in the series Big Girls Don't Cry. Produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, the film is set to hit theatres on July 18, 2025.
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Karan Johar Thinks Kajol's Performance In Maa ‘Has Super Hit Written All Over It'
Last Updated: Filmmaker Karan Johar showered praise on Kajol's upcoming mythological horror film Maa, calling the trailer 'incredible.' The trailer of the highly anticipated mythological horror-thriller Maa is finally out! And it had already won over Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, who could not contain his excitement. He made a social media post praising his friend Kajol, who stars as the lead in the film. Johar, sharing the trailer on his Instagram story, wrote that watching it made him jump out of his chair. 'What an incredible Trailer!!!! Has SUPER HIT written all over it," the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil maker wrote. He further stated that Kajol owns it all with 'heartfelt brilliance" and that it is the 'best role" of the Tanhaji actor's life. 'My ticket is bought," he added. Kajol, while sharing the trailer on her social media handles, captioned, 'Rakshak. Bhakshak. MAA. The protector. The destroyer." According to the reports, the trailer sets a dark and emotional tone right from the beginning. It opens with Kajol driving with her daughter through a foggy road when a corpse crashes into their windshield. This sets the precedent for the ominous accounts to come further into the movie. Things spiral out of control when Kajol's daughter is pulled into the forest, near the eerie, old mansion they move into, by a mysterious dark force. What follows is an intriguing and emotional journey of a mother who moves heaven and earth to bring her daughter back. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actor, known for her emotional depth and screen presence, appears in a never-seen-before avatar. From grief to rage, the trailer shows her transforming into a determined mother who is ready to take on demonic forces. Much like Johar, many internet users believe Maa could mark one of her most impactful roles in recent years. Directed by Vishal Furia, who also helmed horror hit Chhori, Maa was written by Mary Kom fame Saiwyn Quadras. Presented by Jio Studios in association with Devgn Films, the film will be released on June 27, 2025. Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande and Kumar Mangat Pathak have produced the film. Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta and Jitin Gulati will appear in key roles alongside Kajol. Everyone's got high hopes for this movie, especially after Shaitaan did so well, which starred Kajol's husband, Ajay Devgn. Maa has the potential to be this year's big horror flick. First Published:
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Alia Bhatt credits Aishwarya Rai for 'inspiring' her at Cannes 2025: I have grown up watching her walk the carpet...'
Alia Bhatt's Cannes Film Festival debut in 2025 was a resounding success, marked by stunning fashion choices and heartfelt admiration for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Alia credited Aishwarya's past Cannes appearances as a significant inspiration, describing her own experience as a dream come true. She showcased a Schiaparelli gown and a custom Gucci saree, blending global couture with Indian tradition. Bollywood star Alia Bhatt made a dazzling debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025, turning heads and winning hearts with her stunning appearance and undeniable charm. Aishwarya Rai: A Lasting Influence In a recent interview from the festival, Alia opened up about her admiration for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, calling her a 'huge inspiration.' She credited Aishwarya's iconic and graceful Cannes appearances over the years as a major influence on her own journey. Reflecting on her debut, Alia described the experience as a true 'pinch-me moment,' marking a milestone she had long dreamed of. During her conversation with Brut India at Cannes, the actress reflected on how the festival atmosphere is filled with excitement, with people eagerly following red carpet and beauty looks. She shared that she grew up watching Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's iconic Cannes appearances and has always admired the way Aishwarya represented India on the global stage. For Alia, finally being at Cannes felt surreal—a true "pinch-me" moment. She also spoke about the vibrant energy of the city, highlighting the positive vibe and the joy of celebrating cinema with people from around the world. A Connection Through Cinema Although Alia and Aishwarya haven't shared screen space yet, there is a connection between them through Alia's husband, Ranbir Kapoor . Aishwarya starred alongside Ranbir in the 2016 romantic drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil , directed by Karan Johar , where their on-screen chemistry garnered significant attention. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [임플란트 33만원] 할인 혜택 이번달 까지라고? 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo A Style Showcase on the Global Stage Bhatt made a striking red carpet debut at Cannes 2025 in a delicate nude Schiaparelli gown from the Spring 2025 couture collection, styled to perfection by Rhea Kapoor. She elevated her fashion game even further at the festival's closing ceremony, donning a custom Gucci saree—marking the brand's first-ever creation of a saree—blending global couture with Indian tradition in a truly memorable moment. Aishwarya, meanwhile, turned heads with two stunning looks at Cannes. For her first appearance, she paid tribute to Indian heritage in a regal ivory Banarasi handloom saree by Manish Malhotra, featuring a graceful lace train and an extended pallu draped elegantly over her shoulder. She completed the ensemble with a bold ruby necklace and a delicate touch of sindoor, blending tradition with timeless glamour. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Pink Villa
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
‘Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walking carpet in all her glory...': Alia Bhatt opens up about having pinch-me moment at Cannes 2025
Alia Bhatt left fans mesmerized with her stunning appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, marking her debut at the renowned global event. In a recent interview from Cannes, Alia shared that she had admired Aishwarya Rai Bachchan since childhood, having watched her represent India at the festival with grace and dignity for many years. She described Aishwarya as a major source of inspiration and expressed that being at Cannes herself felt surreal, like a true 'pinch-me' moment. Alia Bhatt's pinch-me moment at Cannes 2025 While speaking to Brut India at the Cannes Film Festival, Alia Bhatt shared her excitement about attending the event, noting that this time of year often sees people glued to their phones, checking out red carpet and beauty looks. She mentioned that she had grown up watching Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walk the Cannes red carpet with grace, representing India internationally, something she found deeply inspiring. The Alpha actress described her own presence at the festival as a surreal, 'pinch-me' moment. She also spoke about the vibrant atmosphere in Cannes, highlighting the cheerful, positive energy of the city and the joy of celebrating cinema with people from across the globe. While Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan haven't starred together in a film, Aishwarya appeared alongside Alia's husband, Ranbir Kapoor, in Karan Johar's 2016 romantic drama Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Interestingly, Alia also made a brief cameo in the movie. Alia Bhatt turned heads with her stunning debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. For her first red carpet appearance, she wore an elegant nude-toned gown from the Spring 2025 couture line, curated by stylist Rhea Kapoor. She saved her most memorable look for the closing ceremony, donning a custom-made Gucci gown. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again captured global attention with her show-stopping style. She showcased two striking looks during the event. For her first appearance, she opted for a classic yet sophisticated ivory Banarasi handloom saree. The outfit stood out with its dramatic lace train on one side and a beautifully draped extended pallu. She completed the traditional look with a bold ruby necklace and a subtle touch of sindoor on her forehead, adding cultural grace to her ensemble. For her second appearance, Aishwarya made a bold fashion statement in a custom-designed black shimmering gown. The eye-catching ensemble was paired with a dramatic, voluminous white cape that added a touch of grandeur to the look.
