Sari story at Cannes Film Festival: Sonam Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai to Vidya Balan

Bollywood divas in drapes have made there presence felt on the Cannes red carpet, time and again. Here, we look at seven sari looks — from Sonam Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur to Vidya Balan.

Every year, the Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes) witnesses Indian representation on the red carpet. And, while we have seen a flurry of Ralph & Russo gowns, a bit of Roberto Cavalli and a little Dolce & Gabbana too — there’s nothing like a sari spotting among the pool of trails and couture gowns, at the French Riviera. And, no, we didn’t love all of them. But, as we get set to welcome another year of the cinema (and style!) fiesta, that kicks off on May 17, here’s a look at some sari-torial favourites that made an outing at Cannes, thanks to our Bollywood ladies.

ALL GOLD, EVERYTHING, VERSION 2002

Aishwarya Rai made her Cannes debut in 2012.

Here’s a flashback to Aishwarya’s first red carpet appearance in a Neeta Lulla sari. While some cried gold overdose, others went with the desi vibe. It has been 15 years since this look, and let’s just say, it was great to see a sari make its mark — one way or another.

For a photocall at Cannes Film Festival in 2015, Sonam Kapoor went for this ivory-cream Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla sari with a sheer blouse — all topped with minimal makeup and a low-set braided bun. In recent years, Sonam has made sure she makes a case for the drape and we love that she mixes it up every time.

MINT + FLORALS

Richa Chadda in a floral Sabyasachi Sari at Cannes in 2015.

Richa kept it simple back in 2015 (and a little predictable?) by choosing a Sabyasachi sari in a minty hue with a vintage floral print. Did she look lovely? Well, yes. Would we love to see her serve some more individual style? Hell, yes!

THE SARI CHAMPION

Doing red on the red carpet is a classic no-no, but, is there anyone who can stop Vidya? Not really. She went for this Sabyasachi drape back in 2013 and throughout her time as a jury member, she made sure she kept her sari-torial story going.

THE  GAME CHANGER’S GOT METTLE

Actress Sonam Kapoor poses for a portrait photograph in the Rimzim Dadu sari in 2016.

Leave it to Sonam to up the ante. This duo-toned blue and back metallic yarn sari by Delhi-based designer Rimzim Dadu caught us by surprise, and the result? Absolute love!

MONOCHROME DIARIES

Nimrat Kaur in a monochrome sari at Cannes.

In 2013, Nimrat Kaur also went the sari way. The layered black and white drape, by designers Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, was a simple pick. The side-swept hair, pearl-encrusted earrings and the red lip completed Nimrat’s look.

SOLD ON LINEN

She’s known to march to her own tune, and that is exactly what Nandita Das did in this gold linen sari by designer Anavila Misra. Super simple, super impactful!