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Mother documents how strangers in France reacted to her fancy Indian looks: 'I am your Devdas, you are my Paro'

Pavitra Kaur's video shows her outfits and the enthusiastic reactions of strangers in France – compliments range from movie references to heartfelt exchanges.

Published on: May 21, 2026 4:59 PM IST
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While the glitz of the Cannes Film Festival usually stays behind velvet ropes, food and lifestyle content creator Pavitra Kaur, who is also a mother, took the glamour to the streets — and the streets of France were more than ready to talk back. Also read | Alia Bhatt shares secret for 'great skin' at Cannes 2026: 'I eat this snack made with ghee, jaggery, peanut and...'

From Devdas shoutouts to being called Scarlett Johansson, Pavitra Kaur's fashion video from France is pure ‘main character energy.’ (Instagram/ theclassyfoodophile)
From Devdas shoutouts to being called Scarlett Johansson, Pavitra Kaur's fashion video from France is pure ‘main character energy.’ (Instagram/ theclassyfoodophile)

In a video montage she posted on Instagram on May 20, Pavitra showcased a series of jaw-dropping outfits while documenting the genuine, unscripted reactions of strangers. From cinematic references to impromptu video calls, the video captured a rare, wholesome bridge between two cultures.

The Devdas moment

The video opens with a cinematic night shot of Pavitra walking in a sweeping, floor-length gown adorned with a vibrant, illustrative landscape. As she glides past a group of onlookers, a man’s voice rings out clearly: "I am your Devdas, you are my Paro!"

The reference to the iconic 2002 Bollywood film Devdas — a story synonymous with tragic love and opulent fashion — shows just how far Indian pop culture has reached. Pavitra’s response? A joyful, high-energy laugh as she continues her 'main character' stroll under the French night lights.

A parade of praise: what strangers said

The montage is a fast-paced highlight reel of compliments, showing that fashion truly is a universal language. One woman in Paris, clearly stunned by Pavitra’s vibrant pink outfit and heavy necklace, stopped her in a park, and said, "Omg, you look gorgeous. A saree right in front of the Eiffel Tower... amazing!"

Pavitra even got the paparazzi treatment – outside a hotel, a group of men were seen frantically recording her on their phones. "Nice dress! Nice dress! Wow!" one exclaimed, while others simply shouted, "Beautiful!" In one of the more unique compliments, a man stopped her to say, "I haven’t seen anything like it. You look like Scarlett Johansson from 1999."

Even those lounging at beachside cafes couldn't help but chime in. Two women sitting on the sand were seen cheering and waving their hands, shouting, "We love it!" as Pavitra posed in a white, sculptural ensemble.

The video call

One of the most touching moments in the video occurred when a woman stopped Pavitra not just to look, but to share. The woman was seen holding her phone during a video call, showing her family Pavitra’s intricate white corset-style outfit.

Pavitra didn't just walk by; she paused, leaned into the frame, and waved enthusiastically to the family on the other end of the line, saying, "Hi! Hi!" with a massive grin. The woman ended the interaction with a thumbs-up and a heartfelt, "You look beautiful."

Pavitra’s confidence and candour

Throughout the video shot across France, Pavitra’s responses to attention were consistently gracious and interactive. Whether she was hugging a fan outside a store or posing with a woman holding a small dog, her 'main character energy' was balanced by a grounded, friendly demeanour. She responded to almost every shout of 'magnifique' with a warm 'thank you' or a 'merci', proving that while her outfits were fancy, her attitude was entirely accessible.

As Pavitra wrote in her caption, the trip wasn't just about the clothes — it was about the way the 'random people' in France became her outfit commentators, confirming that she was, indeed, the star of her own French film.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only.

  • Sanya Panwar
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sanya Panwar

    With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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