Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returned to the Cannes red carpet this year in a powerful tribute to Indian handloom and heritage, donning a bespoke ivory Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra. The former Miss World, who has long been associated with the festival, made a memorable appearance in a handwoven kadwa Banarasi drape paired with a shimmering tissue veil and an imperial set of heirloom rubies from the Manish Malhotra Jewellery line. The saree, rooted in India’s centuries-old weaving tradition, showcased kadwa technique detailing—an intricate handloom artistry that reflects the richness of Varanasi’s textile legacy. With the caption calling her the “OG Indian Queen of Cannes,” Malhotra highlighted not just the craftsmanship but also Aishwarya’s consistent presence as a representative of Indian fashion on a global platform. On the professional front, Aishwarya was last seen portraying the layered and enigmatic antagonist Nandini in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan franchise, which released in two parts across 2022 and 2023. The period epic earned her praise for her poised performance and screen presence.
