The curtain rises on the glamorous world of the Cannes Film Festival, where the red carpet is as much a spectacle as the films themselves. Amidst the dazzling array of fashions and flashing cameras, one star has caught everyone’s eye not just for her attire but for her empowering message on beauty. Aditi Rao Hydari, who graced the red carpet in a stunning strapless monochrome gown, exuded elegance with her soft lip color and immaculate updo. Yet, it’s her Gajagamini walk from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar that has truly taken the internet by storm.
Aditi speaks candidly about the rigorous preparations behind her red carpet appearance. “The Cannes Film Festival is synonymous with glamour and fashion, but it comes at the cost of multiple fitting sessions and hardly any sleep,” she quipped during an interview shortly before departing for the French Riviera. Her ensemble for the event appeared effortless, a testament to her team’s hard work and her own inherent style.
Reflecting on her journey in the world of cinema and fashion, Aditi recalls moments of self-discovery and defiance against societal norms. “I don’t try to prove anything to anyone. When I was starting out, people had a lot of advice to give me. For the promotions of my early films, I’d wear jeans and a shirt. People started saying, ‘Get a hairstylist, be glamorous, and wear heels.’ I felt the need to conform.” However, it was her collaboration with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam in 2016 that triggered a significant mind shift. “Subsequently, I’ve never let fashion play heavy on me,” she declared, emphasizing that personal style and authenticity are more important than bowing to external pressures.
It’s this non-conformity that endears her to her multitude of fans. Earlier this month, her Gajagamini walk from Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar resonated deeply with the public. Revealing the story behind the iconic scene, Aditi shared, “Sanjay sir had asked me to put on some weight. Then I got COVID-19 and became so skinny that everyone overfed me. I put on a few kilos when I went to shoot the song.
. I suggested losing weight, but Sanjay sir said, ‘You’re beautiful. You’re not a 2020 heroine, but a 1940’s woman.’”
The elegance and grace she brought to the role struck a chord with audiences worldwide, leading many to feel seen and appreciated for who they are. “People have written in to say that they feel seen. We’re stuck in a manufactured idea of beauty, and it took Sanjay sir to show that other body types are as beautiful. In our tryst to be healthy, we have normalized a particular body type. But all body types are beautiful,” Aditi remarked, echoing the sentiments of countless fans who have felt marginalized by narrow beauty standards.
The Cannes Film Festival, while a hub for cinematic excellence, often sees media and public interest skewed more towards fashion than films. Addressing this, Aditi noted, “Even though the Cannes Film Festival is among the most prestigious film galas, for some, fashion takes precedence over movies. It depends on the intention of the person. There are countless cinephiles there, who watch films all day long.” She called for more diverse media coverage that reflects the festival’s cinematic prestige.
Highlighting the Indian representation at Cannes, she mentioned, “This year, we have a film in the competition section [All We Imagine as Light]. Payal’s [Kapadia, director] mother is my mom’s friend. I want to catch her film!” Even amidst the glamour, Aditi’s love for cinema remains undiminished.
In conclusion, Aditi Rao Hydari’s presence at Cannes encapsulates more than just the allure of fashion. Through her Gajagamini walk and her words, she stands as a powerful advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, challenging the manufactured ideals of beauty. For Aditi, the red carpet is not just a stage for showcasing attire but a platform for conveying a deeper message: that beauty is diverse, multifaceted, and above all, inclusive. As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, her journey remains a beacon of empowerment and inspiration.
