India brought the full package to Cannes 2025 — film, fashion, flair, and a whole lot of fabulous. Whether it was sarees sweeping the red carpet, indie films earning standing ovations, or influencers turning the Riviera into their personal runway, the desi presence was impossible to miss. With every flash of the camera and flutter of chiffon, India didn’t just show up — it showed off. And trust us, Croisette loved every bit of masala.
Janhvi Kapoor
In a blush pink Tarun Tahiliani lehenga-gown styled by Rhea Kapoor, Janhvi paid homage to her mother Sridevi with regal elegance. The voluminous silhouette and intricate embroidery evoked timeless charm.
Ishaan Khatter
Sporting a maroon velvet ensemble by Gaurav Gupta, Ishaan blended traditional textures with contemporary tailoring. His look exuded understated sophistication.
Taha Shah
Taha embraced classic couture in a maroon pinstripe suit, channeling old-world charm with a modern twist. His ensemble was both timeless and fresh.
Boman Irani
Boman Irani kept it classic and classy in a black tuxedo for his debut. Crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and a jacket with just the right amount of texture. His look was a masterclass in sophistication.
Nitanshi Goel
Nitanshi served fresh-faced royalty in a stunning black and gold number. A custom strapless JADE by Monica and Karishma gown that screamed ‘breathtaking’ without even trying. Her ensemble was both dreamy and poised.
Urvashi Rautela
Urvashi Rautela made a bold statement with a custom-designed gown by Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco. The strapless, structured dress featured vibrant shades of blue, red, and yellow, drawing inspiration from Mexican art and culture.
Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi slayed the red carpet in a shimmering Rahul Mishra gown, styled flawlessly by Priyanka Kapadia. That diamond Chopard necklace was pure celestial goddess vibes, stealing the spotlight effortlessly.
Jacqueline Fernandez
Jacqueline owned the red carpet in a strapless red Nicole + Felicia gown that screamed vintage royalty. That structured corset top was done just right.
Jacqueline shone in a seafoam blue bodycon gown by Philipp Plein, featuring fringe details and a halter neck. Her look was a nod to the serene elegance of the French Riviera.
Shalini Passi
Shalini turned the red carpet into a canvas in a custom Manish Malhotra gown, featuring art inspired by Paresh Maity. It wasn’t just fashion — it was a full-blown tribute to India, from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari.
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila graced the red carpet in a classic ivory saree with gold accents, embodying timeless grace and heritage. Her look was a tribute to traditional elegance.
Simi Garewal
Simi was a vision in an all-white ensemble with structured tailoring, exuding sophistication and poise. Her minimalist approach highlighted her enduring style.
Parul Gulati
Parul Gulati turned heads in a custom strapless number made of braided hair from her own brand – talk about wearing your business! Designed by Mohit Rai, the plunging neckline and fringe brought all the drama. She also adorned a golden saree – mixing tradition with modernity.
Karan Johar
Karan showed up looking like a full-blown Regency-era raja in an ivory bandhgala with a jacquard collar and ruffled shirt. Think Bridgerton had a Bollywood reboot—and he’s clearly the lead.
Natasha Poonawalla
Natasha Poonawalla dialed up the drama in archival Dior by John Galliano — an India-inspired corseted dress paired with a jewel-studded jacket from the 2002 vault. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the look was pure couture poetry.
Vishal Jethwa
Vishal Jethwa made a slick Cannes debut in custom Kaushik Velendra, styled to perfection by Eka Lakhani. Classic meets edgy—sharp cuts, bold vibe, and total main character energy.
Honourable Mentions
While these trail blazers owned the red carpet – well-known influencers turned heads too. Nancy Tyagi designed and stitched her blue-silver floral dress; Masoom Minawala embraced vibrant hues; Sakshi Sindwani championed body positivity in a bold emerald gown; and Nitibha Kaul exuded elegance in a shimmering pistachio gown.
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)