Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Stuns at Cannes 2025 with Gaurav Gupta’s Cultural Couture

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan captivated audiences at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with her second red carpet appearance, showcasing a striking blend of Indian heritage and high fashion. For the event, she donned a custom-designed black velvet gown by Gaurav Gupta, evoking the glamour of vintage Hollywood. The gown, adorned with intricate hand-embroidered microglass crystals and galactic embroidery in shades of silver, gold, charcoal, and black, was complemented by a dramatic Banarasi brocade cape. Handwoven in Varanasi, the cape featured a Sanskrit shloka from the Bhagavad Gita: Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani, which translates to, “You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits of those actions.”

In an exclusive interview with Vogue, Gaurav Gupta shared that the gown’s design was inspired by the cosmos, with the cape’s inscription adding a spiritual dimension. The designer also spoke to Diet Sabya, a prominent fashion account on Instagram, about the shloka’s significance, emphasizing its message of selfless action. Aishwarya’s appearance, as reported by NDTV, was a powerful nod to Indian culture, following her first look at the festival, which also celebrated her roots. Both outfits underscored her ability to command attention, whether through traditional vermillion or luxurious velvet, solidifying her status as a global fashion icon.