And Sonam Kapoor wearing a classic and ornate nath (nose ring) with lace sari on the red carpet yesterday, the quintessential elements associated with India are there for all to see.
There is no denying the popular argument these days is how most people in Bollywood has appeared on the red carpet at Cannes. But a girl has to do what a girl's gotta do, some would say. So paraded with desi touch from head to toe, our Bollywood girls have definitely put India on the global fashion map.
Back in 2005, when the actress-director Nandita Das walked the red carpet on the French Riviera in a red silk sari, Gajra, choker, necklace, maang tika, etc, fashion critics almost jumped out of their chairs. There was only one woman among hundreds of ladies dressed in Gucci or Dolce and Gabbana who had dared to walk with his brilliant and elegant gowns. Cannes had its own sensational style! He soon became a thing of the past in Cannes, and our actresses began parading their appearance very Indian ethnic ornaments.
Back in 2010, when Deepika Padukone proudly boasted dazzling Rohit Bal sari and bindi shining on the red carpet, photographers went into a frenzy. The fashion critics, everyone watched his remarkable Indian style in every thread of his costume!
This year, our own desi representative Vidya Balan started her campaign at Cannes fashion suits wear your favorite designer Sabyasachi. While their Hollywood counterparts in the jury showed off its high bouffant, remained demure Vidya Balan with her hair neatly combed in a tight braid. Just as the jhumkas tinkled in his ears with every step undoubtedly pave the way for the rest of the train Bollywood to try something different photographers. Although we can not account for all of Vidya fashion choices, the need to stand out from the crowd and flaunt your own personality is definitely the way to go.
Now is our humble hope that Indian cinema found a higher representation in Cannes, but until then is India shining in their red carpets.