The Cannes red carpets change yearly, but the Bollywood moments people talk about most continue to come up in any discussion of fashion. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s purple lip color from 2016 and Aditi Rao Hydari’s elegant style that really showed off her sindoor have continued to be shared widely because they felt very personal, were clearly Indian with pride, and were impossible to overlook.
Why these Cannes looks still make noise
Bollywood actors at Cannes don’t usually go for the safe option, and the audience likes that confidence. When a makeup choice or the way a fabric is draped means something more than just the clothes themselves, the discussion goes on for much longer than the time in the spotlight.
And that’s how certain outfits go from being in a single photograph to becoming a key part of the culture. The important things aren’t only about being glamorous; they’re about who you are, taking chances, and giving a nod to the past.
Beauty choices that changed the conversation
Usually, Cannes beauty means dark eye makeup and shiny, neutral lipsticks. But the most unforgettable Bollywood appearances went against this idea, and the makeup itself became the main news.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 2016
In 2016, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan went out with a bright purple lipstick, doing the opposite of what people expected from an actor who usually wears classic red. The color was a shock at first, then became very popular, and finally became a moment where a big risk brought a big reward – and it instantly went viral.
Aditi Rao Hydari, 78th edition
At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, Aditi Rao Hydari wore a beautiful red Raw Mango saree with a thin blue border, with a sleeveless top, a noticeable necklace, and earrings. People couldn’t stop sharing the red bindi and sindoor she wore with it, which showed cultural pride and strong feeling on the world stage.
Sarees, couture and the global-Indian blend
Some of Bollywood’s best looks at Cannes have combined Indian styles with high-end international brands, or completely changed things with really fancy, detailed outfits. Both of these approaches made a big impact, as if from a movie, for audiences everywhere.
Alia Bhatt in Gucci’s first-ever saree
Last year, Alia Bhatt wore Gucci’s very first saree, decorated with Swarovski crystals and the GG logo. She didn’t add a lot of other things to the look, and let the quality of the saree itself be the focus. It felt modern, luxurious, and definitely based in Indian style.
Deepika Padukone’s theatrical tulle, 2019
In 2019, Deepika Padukone arrived in a very dramatic, puffy tulle dress by Giambattista Valli with a very long train. A rose gold flower crown by Emily-London, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewellery completed the look. It was completely over-the-top and perfect for the red carpet.
A newcomer who saluted legends
But it isn’t only the grandness of an outfit that makes a moment at Cannes stand out. Sometimes it’s the story it tells. In 2025, Nitanshi Goel, who is known for Laapataa Ladies, made her first appearance at Cannes and it was also a tribute.
Goel wore a short dress by Papa Don’t Preach, but the most important part of the look was her special hairpiece. It had little picture frames with pictures of Madhubala, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Nutan, Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh, Vyjayanthimala, Hema Malini, Rekha and Sridevi. This tribute turned a sweet outfit into a discussion about what these actresses left behind.
What fans noticed, and why it stuck
These moments weren’t just about looking good. They connected with questions of identity, fond memories of the past, and a sense of being Indian that doesn’t need to ask anyone’s permission. People online weren’t just talking about the dresses or the makeup; they were talking about how Indians see themselves on a world stage.
Here are the standout flashpoints fans still cite:
– Aishwarya’s daring purple lip in 2016
– Aditi’s sindoor and red bindi at the 78th edition
– Alia in Gucci’s first-ever saree
– Deepika’s Giambattista Valli tulle drama, 2019
– Nitanshi’s hairpiece honouring Bollywood icons
The impact, beyond pretty pictures
When an Indian celebrity chooses a rose gold flower crown or a saree covered in crystals, they aren’t simply getting dressed. They’re finding a place for themselves between what is traditional and what is happening in global fashion. And that’s why even small choices in how something is styled, like how a line of sindoor is applied or keeping accessories to a minimum, get so much attention.
It also changes how people see the red carpet. The audience now expect Bollywood to arrive looking glamorous and with something to say. The message is clear: Indian fashion can be both very fashionable and based in culture, and boldly stand out, all at the same time.
What comes next
As people continue to talk about Cannes, they will look for three things: a willingness to take risks, a connection to one’s origins, and something that resonates with people. Will another bold makeup choice be as good as Aishwarya Rai’s purple lipstick from 2016? Will a saree once again be as striking as a very shaped dress? What has happened recently suggests the answer is a definite yes.
And that’s why these five appearances are still popular every time Cannes happens. They weren’t just good in pictures. They said something, clearly, in a way that fashion understands: claim your place, make it unforgettable, and make it completely you.
