Taha Shah Badussha on why he chose khadi over a black tuxedo at Cannes

When actor Taha Shah Badussha arrived at the Cannes Film Festival this year, he wasn't dressed in the conventional black tuxedo that dominates most men's red-carpet appearances. Instead, he chose a series of handcrafted khadi ensembles designed by veteran menswear couturier Madhav Agasti, bringing one of India's most iconic textiles to one of the world's most watched fashion stages.

For Agasti, who has spent decades championing Indian craftsmanship through bespoke menswear, the Cannes appearance was an opportunity to challenge perceptions about what luxury looks like.

"For far too long, Indian textiles and traditional craftsmanship have been viewed through a limited lens globally, only to later be rediscovered and celebrated internationally," says Agasti. "Khadi is far more than a fabric. It carries centuries of history, resilience and identity. We never approached Cannes with the intention of competing with European tuxedo fabrics. We wanted to reinterpret khadi through sharp tailoring and contemporary silhouettes while preserving the soul and karigari behind the fabric."



The collaboration began when Taha shared references inspired by classic '80s menswear and strong tailoring. Rather than recreating familiar red-carpet looks, Agasti steered the conversation towards something distinctly Indian. The result was a wardrobe that drew from safari silhouettes, a long-standing staple of Indian fashion, while incorporating elevated collars, precise cuts and modern structure.

"We wanted the clothes to feel rooted yet contemporary," says Agasti. "Instead of relying on predictable blacks and greys, we explored earthy browns, muted olives, textured sunflower yellow inspired by the warmth of the French Riviera, timeless charcoal grey and deep ember tones. Every look was expressive but refined."

The designer believes the global fashion industry is finally beginning to understand what Indian artisans and designers have always known. "Indian heritage has always been luxurious in every sense. What is changing today is the perception around it. Fabrics like khadi, bandhani and several other Indian textiles are moving beyond being viewed only through a heritage or occasionwear lens. They are now being appreciated as contemporary, comfortable, wearable and sharply tailored."

For Taha, the decision to wear khadi at Cannes was deeply personal. "Choosing khadi felt very intentional. It was about celebrating our textile heritage on a global platform while presenting it in a way that felt contemporary and effortless," he says. "Collaborating with Madhav Agasti felt special because the brand interprets Indian craftsmanship in a way that feels modern, relevant and still deeply authentic."

The actor says the ensembles also shifted his perspective on fashion and representation. "Red-carpet menswear can often feel very safe on global platforms. But I've always enjoyed experimenting and stepping into things that feel more personal and expressive. Wearing a handcrafted khadi ensemble in such a rich colour palette felt refreshing. It made me see Indian textiles not just as traditional fabrics, but as something timeless that continues to evolve with generations."

For Taha, representation goes beyond making a fashion statement. "It's about owning your roots confidently even before the world starts celebrating them," he says.



Asked which Indian Cannes look impressed him the most this year, Taha singles out designer Niranjan Mondal's appearance. "It felt like pure storytelling—a beautiful tribute to the 19th-century Bengali Babu silhouette with a timeless, cinematic quality to it. There was a quiet royalty and elegance in the way he carried Indian heritage onto a global platform."