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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD JUNE 06, 2025 | The Indian Eye 38

CANNES 2025

India Shines Bright at Cannes:

Cinema, Culture, and Couture

Dazzle the Croisette

From soul-stirring films to storytelling silks, India’s presence at the 78th Cannes Film

Festival was more than just a moment — it was a movement.

OUR BUREAU emergence as a storyteller of depth and purpose.
Directed by Mohan Das, Singh & Sinha is a
Mumbai
deeply emotional narrative about love, loss, and
nder the gilded sun of the French Riviera, living with HIV. The film tells the story of two soul-
where global cinema meets couture in its mates, one of whom must confront the painful truth
Umost glamorous form, India made a radiant, of his diagnosis after his partner’s death. Through its
multi-dimensional impact at the 78th Cannes Film heartfelt storytelling, the film challenges stigma and
Festival. It wasn’t just about red-carpet appearanc- sparks urgent conversations on mental health and
es or cinematic screenings—it was an explosion of compassion. “This was one of the most emotionally
talent, tradition, and triumph that brought Indian demanding roles I’ve done,” shared actor Utkarsh
stories, fabrics, and visionaries to the forefront of Singh. With this film, Indian cinema brought both
world attention. intimacy and urgency to the Cannes conversation.
At the heart of this year’s Indian celebration was And as the sun dipped over the Croisette, Indi-
a dazzling “Bollywood Evening” curated by philan- an culture rose once more—this time in shimmering
thropist and luxury connoisseur Rishabh Tongya, silks and intricate weaves. Designer Sanjukta Dutta,
founder of Diacolor. Held at the Chopard Rooftop known for her tireless work championing Assamese
at the Hotel Martinez, this exclusive soirée blended handloom, delivered a stunning red carpet show-
the glitz of Bollywood with deeper reflections on case that was part fashion, part folklore, and pure
Indian identity and global responsibility. Co-hosted poetry. Her designs adorned three international
with luxury maison Chopard, the OpenAg Founda- beauty queens—Valeriya Hjertenaes, Mirka How-
tion, and fashion icon Tania Shroff, the night was a ard, and Jasleen Soni—each donning ensembles
kaleidoscope of music, fashion, and purpose. that married tradition with avant-garde design.
The guest list sparkled with some of Indian cin- Whether it was Hjertenaes floating in motifs
ema’s most celebrated figures—Karan Johar, Aditi Aza Fashions Managing Director Devangi Nishar Parekh from Assamese legends, Howard fusing European
Rao Hydari, Taha Shah, Shalini Passi, and Urvashi drama with Indian soul, or Soni commanding atten-
Rautela, to name a few. With chart-topping singer on the Red Carpet of the 78th edition of the Cannes Film tion in a jewel-toned statement piece, Dutta’s vision
Kanika Kapoor delivering electrifying performanc- Festival in France (ANI) brought India’s textile legacy to life. “These aren’t
es and tabla prodigy Nihal Singh enchanting the just outfits,” one onlooker remarked. “They’re
crowd alongside DJ Krish Mulchandani, the event ovation and critical praise, with none other than moving murals.” With a global presence that spans
became a cultural showcase that merged old-world Martin Scorsese lending his support to the project. from Lakme to Milan, Sanjukta Dutta is not just de-
artistry with global flair. The emotional drama starring Ishaan Khatter, signing dresses—she’s weaving India into the global
But beneath the glamour was a heart: the Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, explores themes fashion narrative.
evening also raised USD 1.3 million for Water for of displacement and belonging with a subtle poi- Her mission is clear: to decolonize couture, to
Harmony, an initiative of the OpenAg Foundation. gnancy that resonated deeply with international au- place Indian craft front and center at fashion’s most
“India is a land where opulence meets understate- diences. Ghaywan, already acclaimed for Masaan, revered events. “My garments are odes to artisans,
ment,” said Tongya. “Tonight, we honour the mag- once again showcased the quiet emotional power love letters to tradition, and battle cries for recogni-
ic of filmmaking and the discerning spirit of India.” of Indian storytelling. “The warmth of Madhya tion,” she has said. At Cannes 2025, those garments
With bold elegance and thoughtful curation, Tongya Pradesh, its cinematic landscapes, and its people didn’t just walk the red carpet—they owned it.
redefined what it means to present Indian culture gave this film its soul,” Ghaywan shared, as his team In every frame, every thread, and every film, In-
on a global luxury stage. expressed gratitude for the seamless support they dia’s presence at Cannes this year told a vibrant sto-
Cinema, too, played a leading role in India’s received while filming in Bhopal. ry—not only of cinematic excellence but of cultural
Cannes story this year. Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s Meanwhile, Indian talent continued to turn resurgence. It was about more than just stars. It was
Homebound, produced by Dharma Productions, heads both behind and in front of the camera. Ris- about roots. It was about narratives stitched with
premiered in the prestigious “Un Certain Regard” ing actress Manya Pathak made a stylish hat trick emotion, sung with purpose, and filmed with truth.
section—a first for an Indian film in 2025. Shot of appearances, combining traditional Indian sil- India didn’t just attend Cannes 2025. It illumi-
entirely in the culturally rich landscape of Madhya houettes with modern flair. But it was her role as nated it—with meaning, with magic, and with un-
Pradesh, Homebound drew a nine-minute standing co-producer of Singh & Sinha that marked her true mistakable cultural pride.

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