One Bollywood star who always generates interest on the global scene is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Her Cannes Film Festival appearances have been nothing short of cinematic for more than 20 years. The same was true in 2025. In addition to her stunning outfit, the actress, frequently referred to as a well-known celebrity icon, ignited the red carpet with a powerful message that went well beyond style.
Let’s examine this InsideBoxOffice scoop and see why everyone is talking about Aishwarya’s appearance, including moviegoers and box office analysts.
“Paro is back”, A Look That Spoke Volumes Without a Word.
Wearing a redesigned ivory and gold saree gown designed by Manish Malhotra, Aishwarya’s appearance was decidedly nostalgic. However, it was daring, up-to-date, and profoundly meaningful. What truly grabbed both critics’ and fans’ attention? Bold, purposeful, and steeped in Indian heritage is the fiery sindoor streak in her hairline.
One fan commented online, “She walked like Paro from Devdas, and the world paused to watch.” There’s no denying that she bore a striking similarity to her famous Devdas persona, replete with crimson lips, open hair, and traditional jewelry. Even Shah Rukh Khan might have said, “Babuji ne kaha gaon chhod do, sabne kaha Paro chhod do… par yeh Paro, Cannes nahi chhodti.”
Fashion That Made Headlines and Silenced Gossip
The second outfit, a black gown by Gaurav Gupta paired with a Banarasi brocade cape, is worth discussing. Majestic, dramatic, and refined. However, the Sindoor was the topic of the actual discussion. Since she and Abhishek Bachchan were the subjects of divorce rumors, Aishwarya’s choice to wear Sindoor on such a large international stage was interpreted as a statement. Indeed, it did put an end to the murmurs.
As one fashion critic noted, “This isn’t just couture. This is a cultural commentary on the red carpet.”
From Devdas to Diamonds: The Legacy of a Global Star
She wore a kadwa Banarasi sari, zari embroidery, and 500 carats of Mozambique rubies to go with her appearance at the screening of The History of Sound. It shouted luxury in partnership with Manish Malhotra Jewellery, but the pride in Indian history was heard more loudly.
Not to mention, she has been doing this since 2002. When her film Devdas made its Cannes debut, starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, India was proudly represented.
