Mumbai: Alia Bhatt recently reflected on some of the memorable Indian fashion moments at the Cannes Film Festival and named Aishwarya Rai’s appearance at the 2002 premiere of ‘Devdas’ as the most iconic red-carpet look.
Praising Aishwarya’s timeless yellow saree ensemble, Alia said the moment remains unforgettable decades later.
Before her red-carpet appearance at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13, Alia she spoke about cinema, style and memorable Cannes fashion moments in a conversation with British Vogue.
“A Cannes look that actually goes down in my memory as absolutely iconic would have to be Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Devdas premiere. The beautiful saree that she wore and just her face, it was iconic,” Alia said.
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‘Devdas’ had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2002. However, even before the film’s screening began, Aishwarya had already become the centre of attention alongside Shah Rukh Khan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Designed by Neeta Lulla, Aishwarya’s look celebrated traditional Indian fashion.
Instead of opting for a western-style gown, the actor wore a bright mustard-yellow Kanjeevaram saree with detailed gold zari borders. She paired the saree with traditional gold jewellery, including layered necklaces, jhumkas and multiple bangles.
Making the moment even more memorable, Aishwarya arrived at the venue with Shah Rukh and Bhansali in a blue-and-gold horse-drawn carriage, rather than the traditional limousine.
The grand entry immediately drew global attention and highlighted the scale and richness of Indian cinema on an international stage.
At the time, Aishwarya was recognised worldwide as a former Miss World, but her Cannes appearance helped strengthen her image as a global fashion and film icon.
“Just her face… it was iconic,” Alia noted.
