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.
"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."
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."
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