Nitanshi Goel’s Thoughtful Debut at Cannes 2025 Blends Indian Tradition with a Modern Aesthetic

Nitanshi Goel, best known for her role in Laapataa Ladies, marked her debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with two distinct looks, each showcasing a strong connection to Indian craftsmanship and storytelling. At 16, she became the youngest Indian actor to represent L'Oréal Paris—the festival’s long-time beauty partner.

Her first appearance at the India Pavilion inauguration set the tone for a thoughtfully curated Cannes debut. Nitanshi wore a custom pre-draped ivory saree designed by Jade by Monica and Karishma. The ensemble, rooted in traditional Indian techniques, featured delicate bow embroidery, 3D floral elements, and subtle paisley motifs—crafted using a resist-dyeing method.

What stood out, however, was her tribute to Indian cinema’s legendary actresses. A single strand of pearls by Be Abhika was woven through her hair, with miniature photo frames attached—each honouring icons like Madhubala, Rekha, Sridevi, Vyjayanthimala, Hema Malini, Waheeda Rehman, and Nutan. The symbolic accessory became a conversation starter at Cannes, merging nostalgia with a new generation’s respect for cinematic history.

Her blouse was detailed with pearls and fine beadwork, and she kept the jewellery minimal—bow-shaped earrings with pearl drops and a single pearl bracelet—letting the outfit’s artistry remain in focus. Styled by celebrity stylists Shrey Vaishnav and Urja Amin, her overall look was poised but age-appropriate, balancing elegance with simplicity.

For her red carpet appearance during the screening of “Dossier 137 (Case 137),” Nitanshi switched to a more dramatic yet still rooted creation—a black and gold custom outfit also by Jade. This ensemble blended kasab embroidery with delicate macramé work, and was designed to echo the mood of spring florals blooming under moonlight.

Designer Monica Shah explained the concept behind this look: “For Nitanshi’s Cannes red carpet debut, we wanted to create something truly magical, a look that would capture the softness of her spirit and the sparkle in her eyes,” she said. The outfit was described as a balance between heritage and whimsy, with the intent to give Nitanshi her ‘princess moment’—not through fantasy, but through craftsmanship The shimmer on the garment was subtle, not overpowering, reflecting moonlit elegance rather than red carpet glitter. The silhouette was structured but soft, and the embroidery reflected age-old hand techniques reimagined for a global stage.

Nitanshi’s glam remained understated for both looks, with neutral tones and minimal makeup allowing the clothing and accessories to stand out. Her styling team leaned into a quieter interpretation of fashion, steering clear of overt drama or extravagance—an approach not always typical for first-time Cannes attendees.

What made Nitanshi’s debut notable was not just her age or the brand she represented. It was the clear effort to use fashion as storytelling. From honouring iconic Indian actresses in her first look to representing contemporary interpretations of traditional embroidery on the red carpet, both appearances were rooted in purpose.

As Cannes 2025 continues to host several Indian names—including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar, Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, Aditi Rao Hydari, Neeraj Ghaywan, Vishal Jethwa and Jacqueline Fernandez—Nitanshi’s debut stands out for its cultural awareness and restrained expression.

Unlike many red carpet moments that lean into spectacle, Nitanshi Goel’s Cannes entry embraced a subtler path: paying homage to India’s cinematic past while representing its evolving fashion present. It signals a shift in how young Indian actors are approaching global platforms—with intention, tradition, and a quiet confidence.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, themed "Lights, Beauty, and Action," continues to attract global stars with its blend of glamour and cinematic celebration. This year’s lineup features international heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Josh Connor, Michael Cera, and Benicio del Toro. Alongside them, Indian celebrities including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Alia Bhatt are set to grace the red carpet, reinforcing the event’s growing Indo-global presence.

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival runs through May 24, 2025.