Saree and Slay: All the times the Pallu rocked the red carpet at Cannes

There can be a thousand spectacular ball gowns on display, but a well-draped saree will always save the day! Someone might have missed the memo to register this as a legitimate quote, but the recent appearance of the global star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival 2025 has surely solidified the belief!

The regular attendee of the prestigious film festival walked the red carpet and attended the premiere of The History of Sound at the fest, flaunting a pristine white Manish Malhotra saree and enormous ruby necklaces. She completed her ‘Desi Diva’ look with popping red sindoor and a regal train trailing behind her.

Prior to Aishwarya’s stunning saree look, Indian actress Aditi Rao Hydari, too, aced an all-red look, opting for a Raw Mango saree and adding a touch of tradition to her look with the bright red sindoor.

Take a look at all the celebrities who aced six yards on Cannes’ red carpet.

This isn’t the first time Aishwarya has pulled off a saree look on Cannes’ red carpet. The ‘Devdas’ star made her Cannes debut in a vibrant yellow saree by Neeta Lulla. The saree was handloom organza with gold butis, also used in the costume design for the movie Devdas, which premiered at Cannes that year. In 2010, Aishwarya wore a sheer embroidered cream saree by Sabyasachi for the Raavan premiere. The saree featured an embellished gold border, paired with a plain sleeveless blouse, showcasing her elegant style. Post the birth of her daughter, Aishwarya chose a white embroidered saree by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla for Cannes 2012. The saree was paired with an elaborate jacket blouse, highlighting her graceful post-maternity appearance.

When it comes to acing a six-yard, ‘Heeramandi’ star is not a novice at all. Aditi made a memorable debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, donning an ivory organza saree by renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The hand-dyed and embroidered saree exuded understated grace, complemented by an emerald and diamond choker from Sabyasachi's Bengal Royale Collection.

Vidya Balan's 2013 Cannes appearance was a celebration of classic Indian elegance.

For the opening ceremony, Vidya wore a beige and gold Sabyasachi saree, complemented by a full-sleeved blouse and traditional jewelry. At the 'Bombay Talkies' premiere, she chose a red floral Sabyasachi saree, pairing it with a high-neck blouse and layered pearl necklaces. At the closing ceremony, the ‘Kahaani’ actress wore a tussar silk twin-shade saree. In 2014, Vidya continued her tradition by opting for a bright-red tulle saree from Sabyasachi, which she paired with a long-sleeved matching blouse. Vidya returned to the Cannes red carpet in 2022, with two things as constant – a Sabyasachi ensemble and a saree.

If anyone apart from Vidya Balan can understand the assignment of sarees at Cannes, it’s Nandita Das. In 2005, Nandita Das attended as a jury member and opted for a crimson Uppada silk saree with a golden border, complemented by a simple bun and gajra. In 2013, Nandita donned a two-tone purple silk saree for the screening of Only God Forgives. In 2015, she chose a mustard-gold Anavila handwoven linen saree for the opening night. She accessorized with gold jewelry, a red bindi, and a matching potli. In 2017, the filmmaker wore a peach Anavila zari saree while promoting her film Manto, and the following year, she shimmered in a sleek silver silk saree paired with a chic black sleeveless blouse.

In 2022, Deepika served as a jury member at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, gracing the red carpet in two distinct saree looks that showcased her versatility and deep connection to Indian craftsmanship. For the opening ceremony, Deepika donned a black and gold sequinned saree by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, pairing the saree with a strapless sequined blouse and accessorizing with statement jewelry from Sabyasachi's Bengal Royale Collection. On the final day of the festival, Deepika chose a custom white ruffled saree by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, featuring aquatic motifs, a sculptural silhouette, and a statement collar hand-embroidered with 1,200 pearls and 200 crystals. Her look was completed with a sleek bun and diamond studs, embodying ethereal elegance.

In 2013, Sonam Kapoor made a striking appearance in a white and gold lace saree by designer Anamika Khanna. The ensemble featured an embroidered jacket and was accessorized with a traditional nath (nose ring), bold wine-red lips, and a center-parted bun, exuding vintage charm. In 2014, her salmon pink saree took the centre stage, where the pallu was styled as a cape, draping over her shoulders and creating a modern silhouette. In 2017, Sonam brought a contemporary twist to the traditional saree by wearing an iridescent, unicorn-hued saree by the label NorBlack NorWhite. The same year, on another occasion, she donned a mint green saree by designer Masaba Gupta, featuring a modern drape, and was paired with rose gold accessories, including earrings and a watch. In 2018, Bollywood’s ‘IT Fashion Girl’ made a bold statement by wearing a custom tuxedo-meets-sari ensemble by Jean Paul Gaultier. This fusion piece combined the structured silhouette of a tuxedo with the fluidity of a saree, making a strong case for fusion wear.

Attending as part of the team for the film Manto, in 2018, she showcased her sartorial sensibility by donning a pastel blue saree from Raw Mango. The saree featured scalloped edges and delicate brocade work, exuding a timeless charm. She complemented the look with a simple ponytail, nude makeup, and minimalistic jewelry, allowing the ensemble's subtle beauty to take center stage.

Diana Penty's 2019 Cannes appearance featured a white saree gown by Amit Aggarwal, where the pallu was styled as a cape, adding a contemporary twist to the traditional garment. The ensemble featured a plunging neckline blouse, a belted waist, and a tulle pallu that cascaded into a dramatic train, creating a modern yet traditional silhouette.