Cannes 2026: Alia Bhatt Reveals Why Aishwarya Rai’s Devdas Look Still Defines Indian Fashion

As the 79th Cannes Film Festival unfolds in May 2026, the spotlight has unexpectedly shifted back to a defining moment from 24 years ago. Alia Bhatt, who has been winning hearts with her own Indo-Western "Modern Maharani" looks this season, took a moment to play cheerleader for the veteran "Queen of Cannes," Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. During a candid chat with British Vogue, Alia was asked to name a Cannes look that remains etched in her memory. Without hesitation, she pointed to Aishwarya’s legendary appearance for the world premiere of Devdas in 2002.

The Look That Changed Everything

"A Cannes look that actually goes down in my memory as absolutely iconic would have to be Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Devdas premiere," Alia said. "The beautiful saree that she wore and just her face was iconic."

The look in question, a vibrant mustard-yellow Kanjeevaram designed by Neeta Lulla is often cited as the watershed moment for Indian fashion on the international stage. In 2002, Aishwarya avoided the typical Western gown template, instead choosing to arrive in a blue-and-gold horse-drawn carriage alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Draped in rich silk and adorned with heavy traditional gold sets, she didn't just attend a festival; she announced the arrival of "Indian Royalty."

A Legacy of Representation

For Alia, who is also a global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris (the same brand Aishwarya has represented for over 20 years), the 2002 debut serves as a blueprint. At a time when Indian actors often felt the pressure to conform to European styles, Aishwarya’s choice was seen as a proud celebration of heritage. Alia noted that she has "grown up watching Aishwarya walk the carpet in all her glory," stating that it provided a "pinch-me moment" now that she is walking the same red carpet herself in 2026.

The Consistency of the "Cannes Queen"

While many Indian celebrities have made fleeting appearances at the French Riviera, Aishwarya’s journey is defined by her consistency. From her first saree in 2002 to her serving on the Cannes jury in 2003 and her viral "purple lipstick" risk in 2016, she has become an institution at the festival. Even as the 2026 festival sees new faces like Tara Sutaria and Ammy Virk, the anticipation for Aishwarya’s arrival expected around May 22 remains the pinnacle of the event for Indian fans.

Alia’s Own 2026 Journey

Alia’s praise for Aishwarya comes amidst her own successful run at the festival this year. The Alpha actress has already showcased three distinct looks, including an elegant gradient frock and a peach-colored "saree-gown" that blended traditional draping with a corset bodice. By publicly acknowledging Aishwarya’s legacy, Alia has earned further praise from fans for "crediting her seniors" and recognizing the woman who paved the way for the current generation of Indian global ambassadors.

As the sun sets over the Palais des Festivals tonight, the image of Aishwarya Rai stepping out of that carriage in 2002 remains the "gold standard" , a timeless reminder that true style doesn't just fit into a template; it creates one.