'They called it too much': Mallika Sherawat revisits her controversial Cannes 2005 look with Jackie Chan

Actor Mallika Sherawat recently looked back at her first appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2005, recalling how her outfit became a major talking point internationally. The actor attended the festival alongside Jackie Chan during promotions for their film The Myth.

At the time, Mallika’s red carpet appearance generated widespread discussion because of her outfit choice. She wore a traditional ghagra paired with a plunging blouse, which quickly grabbed attention across fashion and entertainment circles. Revisiting the moment during the ongoing Cannes season, the actor reflected on how public reactions toward bold fashion have changed over the years.

Sharing old photographs from the festival on social media, Mallika wrote, “My first time at the Cannes Film Festival, with Jackie Chan 20 years ago! I wore a dangerously low-cut blouse with a ghagra… and it set off a storm!”

The actor further recalled how the appearance led to global headlines and unexpected recognition. She added, “It made Headlines, even landed me in the Iconic Time magazine being compared to the superstar Brigitte Bardot. For a girl from a small town… it felt unreal.”

Mallika also pointed out how perceptions around fashion have evolved since then. Reflecting on the controversy surrounding her look, she wrote, “They called it too much. And now ….it’s Normal.”

Her post quickly triggered conversations online, with several social media users revisiting her Cannes appearance from 2005 and discussing how fashion standards in the entertainment industry have shifted over time. Many users also noted how celebrity fashion choices that once sparked backlash are now widely accepted on international red carpets.

Mallika Sherawat has often remained associated with bold fashion and unconventional film choices throughout her career. Over the years, she has worked in films including Murder, Welcome, Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Double Dhamaal and Ugly Aur Pagli.

On the work front, the actor was last seen in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video alongside Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. The film marked her return to mainstream Bollywood projects after a gap.

Mallika is also rumoured to be part of the upcoming season of The Traitors India, reportedly hosted by Karan Johar, although an official confirmation is still awaited.