Alia Bhatt’s Cannes Gown Has Fans Flashing Back to Mallika Sherawat’s Iconic 2017 Cannes Look

May 24, 2025: Bollywood star Alia Bhatt finally made her much-anticipated debut on the French Riviera last night — at the festival’s glamorous closing ceremony.

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For her first-ever Cannes red carpet appearance, Alia dazzled in an off-shoulder bustier gown by Schiaparelli in ecru, intricately embroidered with organza, enamel flowers, and ivory ruffles. The dreamy ensemble turned many heads and sparked lively conversations online, with several fans and netizens drawing parallels to Bollywood diva Mallika Sherawat’s iconic mermaid gown from the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

Mallika Sherawat, a Cannes veteran, has long been celebrated for her ahead-of-their-time red carpet looks. Her most memorable moment was arguably the 2017 opening ceremony, where she stunned in a pinky-beige Georges Hobeika off-shoulder mermaid gown adorned with 3D flowers. With minimal jewelry, a deep wine-colored pout, and soft waves, Mallika epitomized Indian regal glamour.

Social media buzzed with comparisons between the two stars’ Cannes styles. On a viral Reddit thread, one user remarked, “Well OP, there’s a bit of similarity between both gowns, can’t deny that. But Malaika is pulling it off better. She’s serving it like a true diva. 🤧💕.” Another agreed, adding, “O boy! Mallika looks fabulous! Alia as usual looks like a nobody playing dressing up.” Fans chimed in praising Mallika’s aura and figure, saying things like “Mallika has that sexy aura. The diva energy radiates,” and “Mallika has the hourglass figure everyone dreams of.”

Meanwhile, many applauded Alia’s dreamy gown and overall look but expressed mild disappointment over her hair and makeup choices. “Dress is so gorgeous. She is carrying it well. But maybe Hollywood curls would have gone best with it, and this nude makeup is so overdone on her. Give some color sometimes, stop wiping it off every time,” commented one fan. Another added, “Everything looks great, except that chipku bun. Waves would have been much better.” Overall, fans acknowledged the outfit as “top notch,” but felt the hairstyle was a missed opportunity.

Alia Bhatt’s Cannes debut, despite the mixed reviews, marks a significant moment in her international fashion journey, promising even more memorable appearances in the years to come.