Journalism of Courage
India at Cannes 2025 was anything but quiet. From Payal Kapadia’s commanding return as a jury member to Alia Bhatt’s show-stealing debut, the 78th Cannes Film Festival saw Indian stars, filmmakers, and influencers bring their distinct voice — and style — to the global stage. Here are nine moments that defined India’s presence on the Croisette. (Source; Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt/Instagram)
One year after her Grand Prix win, Payal Kapadia returned to Cannes — this time not with a film, but with a vote. The filmmaker looked razor-sharp in a deconstructed tuxedo jumpsuit by Rishta x Arjun Saluja as she joined the Juliette Binoche-led jury panel, for one of her looks (Source: Payal Kapadia/Instagram)
Alia Bhatt made her long-awaited Cannes debut in a sculpted cream Schiaparelli dress. But it was this — a canary yellow, monochrome Gucci look for press day — that had us floored. Bright, confident, and pure sunshine, Alia claimed her space with a style all her own. (Source: Alia Bhatt/Instagram)
First-timer Nitanshi Goel stunned in a lehenga-sari hybrid, her pearl hairpiece honouring Indian film legends in miniature portraits. A moving homage to the women of Indian cinema. (Source: Nitanshi Goel/Instagram)
Janhvi Kapoor brought star power to the red carpet as Homebound premiered in the Un Certain Regard section. Her look? Old-school glamour in Anamika Khanna, with just the right amount of edge.(Source: Homebound/Instagram)
Never knowingly underdressed, Karan Johar arrived in a Rohit Bal creation that took 410 hours to complete. Call it fashion diplomacy with maximalist flair. (Source: Karan Johar/Instagram)
Aishwarya Rai turned up in an ivory sari with striking sindoor — a symbolic nod to current headlines back home. (Read Operation Sindoor) (Source: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan/Instagram)
Red carpet or wedding aisle? Ruchi Gujjar’s bridal ensemble — complete with a necklace bearing PM Modi’s face — sparked more than a few headlines and hot takes. (Source: Ruchi Gujjar/Instagram)
Content creator Nancy Tyagi dazzled — but not without drama. One red carpet look landed in hot water over originality claims, with murmurs of a designer dispute still circling. (Source: Nancy Tyagi/Instagram)
And then there was Urvashi Rautela, who made waves with her parrot-shaped crystal clutch — a bold accessory moment that kept social media buzzing (Source: Urvashi Rautela/Instagram)
