Inspired or imitated? First Deepika, now Aishwarya, Urvashi Rautela’s Cannes looks draw parallels

The Cannes Film Festival has long been a stage for cinematic brilliance and sartorial statements. For Indian celebrities in particular, it offers a global platform to fuse fashion with culture, identity, and glamour. Amid the dazzling couture and flashing cameras, one name that continues to draw attention, not just for her appearance but for the familiarity of it is Urvashi Rautela. While she undoubtedly turns heads at Cannes, fashion watchers can't help but notice how her recent red carpet outings echo the iconic looks of two Bollywood fashion powerhouses: Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Is it mere inspiration, or are we witnessing imitation? Let's rewind to some key appearances that sparked these questions.

Deepika's Bold Pink Ruffles vs. Urvashi's Dramatic Fuchsia

In 2022, Deepika Padukone stunned the Cannes red carpet in a fuchsia ruffled gown that was nothing short of a spectacle. With its exaggerated pleated shoulders, high-low hem, and fierce styling, it captured international media attention and was hailed as a daring fashion moment. Paired with a sleek bun and confident pose, Deepika's look felt avant-garde. Not long after, Urvashi appeared at Cannes in a strikingly similar silhouette.

Her gown also boasted oversized ruffled shoulders, a bold pink hue, and theatrical volume. She added her signature flair, matching gloves, a lace-heavy bodice, and a headpiece giving the look a vintage-glam twist. While her rendition was undeniably eye-catching, comparisons were inevitable. Social media was quick to point out the resemblance, with some fans applauding the nod and others questioning the originality.

The Tulle Showdown: Deepika's Lime Green vs. Urvashi's Cotton-Candy Pink

In 2019, Deepika again pushed fashion boundaries in a voluminous lime green tulle gown by Giambattista Valli. Complete with a floral turban, this look was daringly whimsical, toeing the line between couture and costume with effortless grace. It wasn't just a dress, it was a moment.

Fast forward to Urvashi's appearance in a hot pink tulle ball gown. Her strapless bodice sparkled, and her skirt exploded into layers of frothy fabric. It screamed grandeur, almost like a Disney princess had walked onto the Croisette. Again, the comparisons were unavoidable. The exaggerated silhouette, the fluffy textures, and the sheer presence of the gown drew parallels to Deepika's now-iconic green look. This time, too, fans debated whether Urvashi was channeling admiration or copying a formula that had already won hearts.

The 2025 Look: Aishwarya's Iconic Peacock Vibes Reimagined?

This year, Urvashi's gown once again reignited this ongoing conversation. Her latest Cannes appearance featured a body-hugging dress with dark, iridescent colors and wing-like patterns that bore a striking resemblance to Aishwarya Rai's memorable peacock-inspired gown from a previous Cannes edition. Aishwarya's original ensemble, a breathtaking mix of blues and purples resembling butterfly wings or peacock feathers, became one of her most talked-about fashion moments. With a sleek hairstyle and red lips, she exuded timeless elegance.

Urvashi's version took on a darker, more theatrical twist, with extra volume, jewel embellishments, and a headpiece to match. Her styling leaned heavily toward fantasy, giving off a queen-from-a-fantasy-film vibe. While both gowns were magnificent, the visual cues linking them were hard to ignore. The placement of the patterns, the cape-like drama, the fitted structure, it all seemed familiar.

Inspiration or Imitation: Where's the Line?

Fashion, by nature, thrives on reinvention. Designers are constantly inspired by icons of the past and present. Even stars often borrow elements from one another, intentionally or subconsciously. So is Urvashi Rautela guilty of copying, or is she simply celebrating these iconic looks in her own style?

To her credit, Urvashi adds her distinct twist to every appearance. Her preference for heightened drama, fantasy-inspired accessories, and bold makeup differentiates her from the more minimalist elegance of Deepika or Aishwarya. But when similar silhouettes, colors, and themes show up repeatedly, especially after those looks have already been applauded on the same international stage, questions around originality naturally surface. Ultimately, whether Urvashi is inspired or imitating is subjective. What's undeniable is that she has a knack for grabbing attention and getting people talking.