Journalism of Courage
Cannes 2014: After getting mixed reactions to her Cannes appearnce in 2013, especially when it came down to her ethnic looks – both the gold Tarun Tahiliani sari, which was a fashion disaster and the black and gold Sabyasachi lehenga-sari, Aishwarya knew she had to step up with her fashion choices this year.
And disappoint did she not with two gorgeous appearances, both in Roberto Cavalli. Her first look was in a glamorous strapless gold gown and the second in a dazzling embellished white one. Both the gowns featured a train and accentuated her beautiful curves. We think she got it right this year, though she might have played it a bit too safe!
Cannes 2002: Aishwarya has had a hit-and-miss relationship with fashion at the Cannes red carpet.
For her debut Cannes appearance Aishwarya wore a golden Neeta Lulla sari with heavy gold jewellery.
Cannes 2003: The very next year, the world's most beautiful lady was a disaster on the red carpet. Aishwarya, who is the first Indian actor to be a jury member at the Cannes, wore a neon green Neeta Lulla sari with her hair tied in a bun.
There were a series of badly chosen outfits at the Cannes that year. After her neon green sari, came a shimmering pink dress worn with diamonds and unkempt hair.
Cannes 2004: This revealing Neeta Lulla gown at the Cannes red carpet is Aishwarya's most criticised outfit till date. She wore her gown with Chopard jewellery.
Cannes 2005: After three years of fashion disasters at Cannes, Ash finally got it right in 2005. She wowed all in her flirty, printed dress by Giorgio Armani.
Next came another winner in the form of a black Gucci gown which had a plunging neck.
Cannes 2006: Aishwarya Rai wore a navy blue strapless gown with a snake like neck-piece. She got a thumbs up for her choice.
Cannes 2007: It was the year when she got married. And as expected walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with hubby Abhishek Bachchan. She was shining in her diamonds and white strapless gown.
Cannes 2008: Aishwarya Rai showed off her petite figure in her golden gown and that famous smile.
The next day, she looked sensuous in her black gown.
Then came a bold fuschia gown for which Ash received rave reviews.
Cannes 2009: It is till date Aishwarya's best ever red carpet appearance at the Cannes. On Day 1 she wowed all with her floor-sweeping Roberto Cavalli strapless white gown.
Day 2: Ash was stunning in a grey Elie Saab one-shoulder gown and slicked-back hair.
Cannes 2010: By this time Elie Saab had become Aishwarya's favourite designer and she was again seen in a violet mermaid gown with a train and sheer shoulders.
It was the year when she was promoting Raavan at Cannes and for the photo call in the afternoon it was an off shoulder black dress and open hair.
Then came another hit from Aishwarya - a black strapless Armani Prive gown. She added a dash of colour with her red lipstick.
Cannes 2010: The same year, Aishwarya wore a sari to perfection. She was ravishing in a Sabyasachi sari.
Cannes 2011: Aishwarya Rai was a stunner in another Elie Saab one shoulder embroidered gown.
Next she cut a fine figure in a geometric Armani Prive dress with smokey eyes.
In the afternoon that very day, when her ill fated Heroine was announced, she wore a brown.
Ash dropped out of Heroine that year due to her pregnancy.
Cannes 2012: The new mom Aishwarya Rai got browny points for her choice of grey Elie Saab gown which was clinging to her plus size curves. 2012 was the year, when Ash was criticised for her weight gain post pregnancy.
Upon her arrival Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was first seen in an Angelo Katsapis maxidress. Then in a cream chikankari Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla sari for the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala with an embroidered jacket, which was a complete fashion disaster.
After the amFAR gala Ash was spotted in a Roberto Cavalli kaftan.
Cannes 2013: (L-R) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wooed one and all on Day 1 of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. She wowed the fashion police in her one-shoulder teal Gucci Premiere gown at the premiere of Behind the Candelabra.
Next, she was a hit in her black and grey Elie Saab couture gown at the premiere of Inside Llewyn Davis. And finally in Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla floor-length anarkali with colourful heavy embroidery for the premiere of Blood Ties. (AP/Reuters)
Cannes 2013: It was not only at the red carpet, but Aishwarya Rai's behind the scenes looks at Cannes were also a hit with the fashion critics. (L-R) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's all black avatar - perfectly fitted trousers, shirt, waist coat and red luscious lips - was an instant hit and reminded us of her Pepsi ad days.
Ash looked fab in her white shirt and black mermaid like skirt while giving interviews at the festival. (AP/Reuters)
Cannes 2013: While Aishwarya rocked the gowns and other coutures at Cannes, she disappointed with her choice of ethnic outfits. (L)Aishwarya opted for a black lehenga-sari with golden embroidery by Sabyasachi for the evening gala of 'Bombay Talkies' celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema with matching golden hair accessory. (R) Aishwarya Rai's golden sari by Tarun Tahiliani for amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS 2013 was the worst dress at the Cannes red carpet. (Reuters)
Cannes 2013: Last year's Cannes Film Festival was also high on anticipation by Ash fans as it marked the Cannes debut of her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. Though, Aaradhya was nowhere with her mother on the red carpet, the images of Aishwarya holding her little bundle of joy, who had just woken up from a nap, was a hit with her fans. According to reports, Aishwarya Rai will be attending this year's festival both with her husband Abhishek Bachchan and their daughter Aaradhya. We look forward to the Ash moment at Cannes 2014!
