EXCLUSIVE: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Dazzles in a Banarasi Sari and 500 Carats of Rubies by Manish Malhotra at Cannes 2025

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has long been the undisputed queen of the Cannes red carpet. Her 22nd appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival only reaffirmed her legendary status. For the premiere of “The History Of Sound,” Aishwarya delivered a look that was both a tribute to India’s rich textile heritage and a masterclass in contemporary couture, all while shimmering in some of the most spectacular jewels ever seen at Cannes.

The Sari: A Modern Ode to Banaras

This year, Aishwarya eschewed the expectations in favor of a custom creation by Manish Malhotra—a designer celebrated for his ability to bridge the worlds of tradition and high fashion. Her look began with a handwoven kadwa Banarasi sari, crafted in the ancient city of Varanasi by master artisans. The kadwa technique, known for its painstakingly detailed motifs, was on full display: intricate brocade patterns and hand-embroidered zari in real chandi (pure silver) shimmered across the ivory silk, each thread a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship.

But this was no ordinary sari. Malhotra reimagined the classic drape into a couture gown silhouette, merging the fluidity of a sari with the drama of a red carpet train. The result was an ensemble that honored tradition while embracing the grandeur of global couture. A sheer, handwoven tissue drape—delicately embroidered with gold sequins and zari—flowed behind her, acting as both dupatta and train, catching the light with every step and adding a celestial aura to her presence.

The Jewels: 500 Carats of Regal Splendor

If the sari was a love letter to Indian textile artistry, the jewels were a declaration of regal intent. Around her neck, Aishwarya wore an astonishing 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds, all set in 18k gold—a bespoke creation from Manish Malhotra Jewellery. The necklace, with its cascading layers of rubies interspersed with the fire of uncut diamonds, evoked the opulence of royal heirlooms, yet felt utterly modern in its bold scale and sculptural design.

The ruby choice was more than an aesthetic decision. In Indian culture, rubies symbolize passion, power, and protection—qualities that have defined Aishwarya’s Cannes journey for over two decades. The deep crimson of the stones was echoed in her classic red lip, a signature beauty move that tied the entire look together.

The Beauty: Tradition with a Contemporary Twist

Aishwarya’s hair and makeup paid homage to her roots while embracing a polished, international sensibility. Her hair was worn long, straight, and parted to reveal a flash of sindoor—a subtle nod to her married status and a touch of personal tradition. Her makeup was luminous, with dewy skin, softly defined eyes, and that unmistakable bold red lip.

The Story Behind the Look

For Aishwarya, every Cannes appearance is an opportunity to tell a story—about herself, about India, and about the enduring power of reinvention. This year’s look was a collaborative labor of love between the actor and Manish Malhotra, who worked closely with Banarasi weavers to ensure every detail was perfect. The sari’s raw, uncut hem was left intentionally unfinished, a tribute to the authenticity of handloom and the beauty of imperfection.

The ensemble also nodded to Aishwarya’s Cannes history. She has often gravitated towards ivory and white on the red carpet—think her 2009 form-fitting Roberto Cavalli gown with a ruffled train, or her 2014 Cavalli look paired with signature red lips and open hair. But this year, the look felt more personal, more rooted in heritage, and more fearless than ever.

A Legacy of Bold Choices

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes legacy is built on boldness—whether it’s lilac lipstick, sculptural Gaurav Gupta gowns, or now, a Banarasi sari transformed into haute couture. With every appearance, she redefines what it means to represent India on the world stage, reminding us that true style is about honoring the past while daring to imagine the future.

As the lights of the Palais des Festivals glimmered on her sari’s golden threads and the rubies at her throat, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again proved that she is not just a star—she is a living legend.