Aishwarya Rai at Cannes 2026: Sufi Motiwala weighs in on the two decade legacy, says, 'It’s the pressure of outdoing herself'

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is preparing to make another highly anticipated appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. The 79th edition of the prestigious event begins on May 12 on the French Riviera. Several Indian celebrities are expected to attend this year, including first-time participants Tara Sutaria, Ammy Virk, and Sufi Motiwala.Aishwarya made her Cannes debut in 2002 during the premiere of Devdas. Since then, she has attended the festival more than 20 times and turned nearly every appearance into a global fashion statement. From traditional Indian ensembles to dramatic couture gowns, she has consistently captured worldwide attention. However, in recent years, some critics felt that her outfits did not create the same impact as her earlier appearances. Even so, excitement surrounding her fashion choices has remained as strong as ever.In an interview with News18, Sufi Motiwala said the pressure to surpass her own iconic appearances may have influenced some of Aishwarya’s more restrained looks.“It’s the pressure of outdoing herself. Since the beginning of Aishwarya at Cannes, she had set a standard so high. I feel that’s something even the MET Gala is suffering from," he said. “It has reached a point of exhaustion. First, she did the saree look [in 2002], then she became our Cinderella and then she did the purple lipstick. Every year, she pulled things out of herself that are expressive and creative and at the same time, fashionable and perfect. It’s really hard," he adds.Aishwarya’s purple lipstick look at Cannes 2016 generated sharply divided reactions. Reflecting on that appearance, Sufi said, “That year, they thought of going ten levels above and gag it but that didn’t translate for the audience. But you’ve to give them grace. And then, a few years ago, when she tried to go extra with the FSPs, there was an idea even then but it wasn’t executed perfectly."According to Sufi, Aishwarya regained her fashion form last year with two standout looks: a Kadwa Benarasi saree and a black velvet gown.“Last year what she did with Manish Malhotra and Gaurav Gupta, it beautifully reflected where she’s in her life at this stage – ever so fashionable, obviously, but all the more put together and not trying to be anyone but herself. It was so much fun!" Sufi says.Among all of Aishwarya’s appearances, Sufi considers her gold saree and traditional jewelry look to be the most unforgettable. “She wore that saree and when she stepped out of that carriage, she looked like an Indian Disney princess. It altered the brain chemistry of every Indian," he remarks. “The fact that an Indian could radiate on such a level of glamour and fashion marked the onset of everything. Today, we’re attending the MET Gala and the Cannes red carpet but this look can be tracked back as the culmination. I would rate it a bazillion. Whenever I look at those pictures, it does something to me. I love it!" Sufi adds.On the work front, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was last seen in 'Ponniyin Selvan: II'.