Cannes 2025: How Janhvi Kapoor Balanced Seriousness With Bollywood Glam

Made from real tissue, Janhvi managed to hit the spot on every level with her Cannes debut gown.

One curious thing about India is that we put a lot of pressure on public personalities when they are at an event outside of the country. Bogging them down with the expectation to represent the country in the ‘correct’ light, we put all of our colonial insecurities and stubborn pride on that singular individual. This is especially true when it comes to fashion. We expect them to wear something that showcases our entire country. In short, we want them to wear Indian clothes. But when things become ‘too Indian’, we are also the first ones to take offence (remember Vidya Balan at Cannes and the cancelation that followed her looks?) We are our own biggest bullies.

In such a scenario, how is one supposed to represent their film (and country?) at one of the biggest film festivals in a ‘proper’ manner? Well, we have one successful example in the form of Janhvi Kapoor who made her Cannes debut couple of days ago in a rose colored gown that also gives the illusion of a saree.

Made from real tissue, the Tarun Tahiliani gown was amazingly constructed with a voluminous skirt, fitted corset and a veil that covered her low bun. Specially woven in Benaras, the texture was achieved through a hand-crushed technique, giving added depth and texture to the rich textile. The ensemble was eventually finished with an uncut hem, left raw and untouched to retain the authenticity of the weave. Styled by Rhea Kapoor (Janhvi’s cousin), the look was finished off with layers of pearl and diamond necklaces from Chopard's Haute Joaillerie collection.

Between the color and the silhouette, it is a highly feminine ensemble that compliments Janhvi’s hourglass figure, but there’s also a sense of power that it seems to be exuding that makes her stand out. Tahiliani was able to masterfully strike the balance between ‘Indian’ and ‘western’, meeting at a mid-point where Bollywood glamour seems to exist.

Janhvi is at Cannes to attend the premiere of her film ‘Homebound’ (directed by Neeraj Ghaywan). A film that also happens to be in competition. So, while the glam was important at the red carpet (fashion is a big part of the festival, after all), it was also important that she comes across as a serious actor. I feel that this appearance managed to hit the spot on every level.

It is definitely one of the better looks to come out of Cannes this year.