Cannes 2025: From sindoor to sculpted couture, Aishwarya Rai's fashion shift sparks debate - fans say 'she decided to serve hard'
On the second day of her appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wore a black velvet gown by designer Gaurav Gupta. The gown featured a sculpted neckline and intricate sequined detailing described as "galactic embroidery." A voluminous silver wrap was draped over her shoulders, adding a dramatic contrast to the dark fabric. Aishwarya’s hair was styled in soft, one-sided vintage waves and her makeup included her signature bold red lips and winged eyeliner.
A day before, Aishwarya made headlines in a white and gold saree by designer Manish Malhotra. The ensemble featured a handwoven Kadwa Banarasi saree in ivory with brocade motifs and silver zari work. It was paired with a sheer tissue dupatta edged in gold and silver zardozi embroidery. Her jewellery, crafted in 18k gold, was studded with over 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds. Her prominent sindoor (vermillion) mark stood out, which many online users interpreted as a response to recent rumours about her personal life.
— Gaurav Gupta Couture (@GG_Studio) May 22, 2025Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the 78th Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet in Custom Gaurav Gupta Couture.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wears the ‘Heiress of Clam’, a custom creation imagined in a draped form and spiritual detail. The gown is hand-embroidered with an abstract rendition of… pic.twitter.com/CoMdwIZdrv
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan first attended Cannes in 2002 for the screening of Devdas, appearing alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali in a yellow saree. She arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, marking a memorable debut. In 2003, she became the first Indian actress on the Cannes jury and showcased a series of Indian outfits, including a green saree and a yellow suit. She returned in later years with her husband Abhishek Bachchan and experimented with various styles — from traditional to bold, including the 2016 purple lipstick look that sparked debate.
Aishwarya Rai was last seen in Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2, directed by Mani Ratnam. For her role, she received the Best Actress in a Leading Role (Critics) award at SIIMA held in Dubai. Her Cannes appearances continue to attract attention globally, both for her fashion choices and her long-standing connection with the festival.
He is so right " She woke up and decided to serve so hard"
— B. (@quantumparticl_) May 22, 2025
She just know she is "Aishwarya Rai" https://t.co/BdP5qHCEKO
Netizens say the Day 2 look was “dramatic” while some felt “She woke up and decided to serve so hard” The mixed reactions reflect how Aishwarya’s choices remain widely discussed across social platforms.
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Nancy Jaiswal is a journalist who started her career in reporting and has covered both hard and soft news. From serious city news developments to lighthearted lifestyle pieces, she has written on almost everything hapenning in India (except maybe alien invasions—yet!). For her, writing isn’t just work; it’s a passion, an obsession, and sometimes the reason she forgets to reply to texts.
