If Cannes had a crown, it would already be sitting pretty on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan¡¯s head. With 22 red carpet appearances and a track record of jaw-dropping looks, the global superstar never fails to serve face, fashion, and full-on royalty. But today, we are rewinding the tape, not for a gown or a pose, but for a moment that had nothing to do with couture and everything to do with character.
It was 2010, and Aishwarya was a vision in a violet mermaid-style gown with sheer shoulders, already a fashion serve of the season. But just as the cameras clicked and fans cheered, she did something no one expected: she stopped her glamorous stride to greet a photographer in a wheelchair. She smiled, leaned down, and acknowledged him with warmth that cut through the glamour like a beam of light.
Fashion police were gagged, yes, but it was the international media and Cannes attendees who truly applauded the gesture. Her grace off the carpet matched her elegance on it, proving that a kind heart really is the ultimate accessory.
Fast forward to now, Aishwarya returned to Cannes in 2025 like the legend she is, this time in a white sari dripping in traditional Indian jewels. Representing L'Or¨¦al Paris, she walked the carpet for the 22nd time (yes, TWENTY-TWO). She waved, she smiled, she blew kisses. And naturally, the internet imploded.
But amidst all the oohs and aahs over her white-and-lace dream look, fans could not help but resurface that iconic moment from 2010. ¡°The most beautiful woman in the world also has the most beautiful heart,¡± read a viral comment. A perfect full-circle moment.
While Aishwarya continues her Cannes reign, Indian cinema is making waves too. Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan premiered in the Un Certain Regard section and received a 9-minute standing ovation. Meanwhile, Satyajit Ray¡¯s Aranyer Din Ratri got the Cannes Classics treatment, with none other than Wes Anderson doing the honours.