As the Cannes Film Festival 2026 approaches, the spotlight has once again turned to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s most iconic fashion moments. In a recent interview, celebrated designer Neeta Lulla shared the inspiration and the high-pressure stories behind the outfits she created for the actress during the Devdas era.
The Iconic 2002 Cannes Saree:
- The Look: For the world premiere of Devdas at Cannes in 2002, Aishwarya wore a golden mustard-yellow Kanjeevaram saree designed by Neeta Lulla. She paired it with heavy traditional jewelry and a classic bindi.
- The Impact: This appearance is considered one of the most memorable in the festival’s history. Current Bollywood star Alia Bhatt recently praised the look in an interview with British Vogue, calling it “absolutely iconic” and a personal favorite.
- The “Horse Carriage” Moment: Fans still remember the grand entrance where Shah Rukh Khan helped Aishwarya out of a horse-drawn carriage, further cementing the “regal” Indian image on the global stage.
The Challenges of the 2003 Festival:
- The Backlash: In 2003, Aishwarya returned to Cannes as a jury member, but her fashion choices—including a neon green saree—were heavily criticized.
- Behind the Scenes: Neeta Lulla revealed that she had sent 47 different outfits with Aishwarya that year. However, the actress was not feeling well and was dealing with a fractured foot, which made wearing and styling the clothes much more difficult.
- Mutual Trust: Despite the “fashion police” being harsh, Neeta shared that Aishwarya stood by her and continued to trust her for many more projects, including her 2007 wedding saree.
The “Overnight” Devdas Climax Saree:
- A Last-Minute Request: Neeta also recalled a stressful night during the filming of Devdas. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali decided at 9 PM that he wanted a longer, 15-meter silk saree for the final scene where Aishwarya’s character, Paro, runs toward the gate.
- The Race Against Time: Neeta had to convince a fabric vendor to open his shop at midnight to get the materials. Her team worked through the night to add borders and finish two identical sarees by 8:30 AM the next morning, just in time for the shoot.
Cannes 2026 Update: While these classic looks are trending again, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is expected to make her next appearance on the Cannes red carpet on May 22, 2026. This year’s festival is also featuring appearances by Aditi Rao Hydari, Tara Sutaria, and Urvashi Rautela.