As the 79th Cannes Film Festival continues to dominate global headlines, Alia Bhatt has not only been making waves with her own sartorial choices but also by paying homage to the legends who paved the way.
Amidst her successful run featuring custom gowns by Daniel Frankel and Yash Patil, Alia recently sat down for a candid chat with Vogue, where she was asked to name her all-time favorite Cannes fashion memory. Without hesitation, Alia picked Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s legendary 2002 appearance for the premiere of Devdas.
“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 stated. “The beautiful saree that she wore and just her face it was so iconic.” For fans, the compliment felt like a “full circle” moment, as both actresses are now global ambassadors for L’Oréal Paris, representing India’s evolving influence on the world’s most prestigious red carpet.
The 2002 Devdas Premiere: A Turning Point for Indian Cinema
Back in 2002, Aishwarya Rai’s arrival at Cannes alongside Shah Rukh Khan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali marked a historic chapter for Bollywood on the global stage. The trio made a grand entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, a visual that remains etched in pop culture history. At a time when international celebrities almost exclusively wore Western gowns, Aishwarya’s decision to embrace her roots was both a bold fashion statement and a cultural milestone.
The actress had chosen a vibrant mustard-yellow saree designed by Neeta Lulla, featuring intricate golden embroidery and a heavy traditional border. She complemented the look with layered Kundan jewelry, including a choker and bangles, while keeping her makeup luminous and her hair in soft, effortless waves. The look didn’t just represent a movie; it represented a proud, unapologetic Indian identity that captivated the international press.
Alia Bhatt’s Own Cannes 2026 Fashion Streak
While Alia celebrates the past, her own present-day wardrobe has been nothing short of spectacular. This year, she has navigated diverse styles, from a “modern-day princess” icy blue gown to a “gender-agnostic” statement that sparked wide discussion online. By acknowledging Aishwarya’s 2002 look, Alia has highlighted the timelessness of the saree, which she herself reinterpreted this year in a modern Tarun Tahiliani saree-gown hybrid.
As the festival progresses, the “Alia-Aishwarya” connection serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Indian beauty at Cannes. Decades may have passed since that iconic yellow saree graced the Riviera, but as Alia Bhatt’s endorsement proves, its impact on the world of fashion remains as powerful as ever.