Cannes 2025: Indian divas surely served but did they break the red carpet rules or bend them beautifully?

The Cannes Film Festival red carpet is no ordinary runway; it's the most-watched, most-talked-about fashion moment of the year. And in 2025, the drama went beyond couture. With just 24 hours' notice, Cannes organizers rolled out a list of strict fashion rules, banning long trains, voluminous gowns, and anything "nudity-ish." But did the rules stop Bollywood’s finest from bringing the heat? Not quite. This year, Indian actresses didn’t just show up, they ruled the Riviera, with bold fashion choices, a touch of rebellion, and unapologetic elegance.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The Queen Who Makes The Rules

No Cannes red carpet is complete without Aishwarya Rai, and 2025 was no different. The icon walked in a white Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra, dripping in heritage and grace. The twist? A dramatic train that flew in the face of the new “no long trains” policy. Her ivory sari on Day 1, paired with sindoor and a trailing lace pallu, was a head-turner. Fans couldn’t get enough of her desi glam, calling her a global queen. Her second look, a sculpted Gaurav Gupta ensemble with yet another train, confirmed it: Aishwarya plays by her own rules. Decency? Check. Movement restriction? Maybe. But elegance? 100%. She turned every step into a royal procession. With grace as her armor, she sashayed past regulations and into fashion history.

Alia Bhatt: The Rule-Follower in Romantic Couture

Alia Bhatt chose elegance over edge and served it in soft blush tones. Her sculpted off-shoulder gown was a dreamy mix of old Hollywood and new-age finesse. The sheer bodice, floral appliqués, and ruffled layers gave us romance, while the mermaid silhouette stayed rule-friendly. No excess volume, no daring trails, just couture perfection that whispered grace. Alia proved you can follow the rules and still steal the spotlight. With quiet confidence, she charmed the cameras. Every layer of tulle felt like a page from a romantic novel. While she shut the chatters of not attending the festival, she also made jaws drop, eyes widen and hearts pounding cementing her name as the finest global diva.

Janhvi Kapoor: Glamour with a Hint of Rebellion

Janhvi brought the heat with not one, not two, but three unforgettable looks. First up was a custom Tarun Tahiliani outfit; a Benarasi corset and skirt that flirted with volume but stayed just within the lines. For the premiere of her film Homebound, she stepped out in an Anamika Khanna creation featuring a gold embroidered top and mint green flowy skirt. The drama came from the stunning jewellery draped across her back, a mix of traditional pieces and custom jade. Then came the showstopper: a “dripping sari” by Di Petsa, soaked in sensual nostalgia and modern couture. Her looks may have skimmed the edge of the rules, especially with those flowing skirts, but she never quite crossed the line. Janhvi balanced couture edge with cultural homage. Each look felt like a carefully crafted ode to heritage and modernity.

Urvashi Rautela: A Tiara, a Parrot, and Almost Rule-Abiding

Urvashi turned heads in a multi-colored strapless gown with a slight train. The look was dramatic but didn’t cause logistical chaos which means it probably passed the Cannes test. Her crystal-encrusted parrot clutch became a viral moment, especially when she kissed it on the red carpet. Was it over the top? Absolutely. But it was also within the lines, barely. Her outfit screamed playful extravagance. Urvashi knew exactly how to steal a scene. She also made waves with her bust 'bikini' bag and she knew, if the oufits can't create enough drama, she has her bags for it.

Aditi Rao Hydari: Traditional Elegance Meets Contemporary Chic

Aditi made two very different yet equally stunning appearances. One was a red sari from Raw Mango, paired with a sleeveless blouse and a striking red bindi. The second was a glittering ombré Rahul Mishra gown that clung to her like a celestial dream. While both looks were poles apart in style, they had one thing in common: zero rule-breaking. Aditi proved that you don’t need shock value to shine. Her elegance felt effortless yet impactful. She glided through Cannes with the poise of a seasoned fashion sage.

Nitanshi Goel: The Young Royal with a Modern Twist

Styled by Shrey and Urja, Nitanshi Goel made a strong Cannes debut. Her strapless gown featured a cinched waist, corseted bodice, and a subtle train. Yes, there was volume but the design was clever, keeping the frills controlled and red carpet-friendly. The young starlet wore minimal jewellery and oozed sophistication. Not one rule broken here! Nitanshi served grace on a silver platter. She brought youthful charm wrapped in classic glamour. A quiet power radiated from her poised demeanor.

Jacqueline Fernandez: Royal Glam, Within Limits

Jacqueline Fernandez brought red carpet drama in a scarlet Nicole+Felicia strapless gown. The structured corset hugged her figure, while the mermaid skirt gave the look its theatrical flair. The puffy rose-shaped back added volume, but not the kind that would make Cannes security sweat. It was high fashion with a regal twist and completely guideline-approved. Jacqueline gave us vintage meets vixen, and we’re here for it. Her pose and presence exuded confident royalty. Jacqueline owned the moment like a true red carpet veteran.

True to form, Natasha went bold in a Dior look from John Galliano’s India-inspired collection, layered with an archived 2002 jacket. It was fashion history on display, maximalist, high-concept, and not exactly red carpet practical. But somehow, it worked. While her look may have pushed the volume boundaries, it did so with archival credibility.

Alongside the film stars were India’s social media royalty, Masoom Minawala, Parul Gulati, Sakshi Sindwani, and Sarah Sarosh. Their presence added a fresh, relatable edge to Cannes fashion. Whether in saris, gowns, or Indo-Western hybrids, they showcased Indian creativity with confidence. While their fashion wasn’t always rule-bound, it was certainly buzz-worthy.

Cannes 2025 tried to enforce simplicity and decorum on its red carpet, but the Indian contingent wasn’t about to let the fun die. Aishwarya waved her lace train like a royal scepter, Janhvi danced on the edge of rebellion, and Alia followed the rules but still lit up the red carpet. In the end, Indian actresses gave us drama, tradition, fusion, and fashion sometimes within the rulebook, and sometimes rewriting it altogether. One thing’s for sure: when it comes to the Cannes red carpet, India came, saw, and conquered.

This year’s red carpet saga was more than a fashion spectacle—it was a powerful statement about how Indian cinema’s style ambassadors balance respect for tradition with red carpet reinvention. Whether following the new rules to the letter or bending them with flair, every Indian woman on the Cannes carpet made a statement. From Aishwarya’s queenly defiance to Alia’s dreamy compliance, the diversity in fashion choices reflected the many voices, visions, and cultural layers India brings to the global stage. Cannes 2025 belonged to India, and the world noticed.

Beyond couture and compliance, Cannes 2025 gave Indian women an unmatched platform to reclaim space and visibility on the global fashion radar. It was not just about gowns and glitter, but about telling stories through fabric, silhouette, and presence. From the youngest debutante to the seasoned queen of Cannes, every Indian actress infused her identity into her look. And if the rules were nudged or tiptoed over? So be it. Fashion, after all, has always been about pushing boundaries.

As the flashbulbs dim and the gowns are archived, what lingers is the power of fashion diplomacy—how a saree, a silhouette, or a shimmer of sindoor can be as impactful as any dialogue. Indian stars didn’t just wear outfits at Cannes. They wore legacy, artistry, and intention. That’s what made Cannes 2025 unforgettable.