- Thursday, May 22, 2025
As Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dazzles in a Banarasi saree at Cannes, fans also speculate about her rumored split from Abhishek Bachchan. Her look becomes a symbol of elegance and quiet strength amid swirling breakup headlines.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the eternal queen of elegance, once again stole the spotlight at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Draped in a regal ivory and gold Manish Malhotra kadwa Banarasi saree, she mesmerized the red carpet in a look that had fans drawing parallels to her iconic portrayal of Paro from Devdas.
But while her fashion made waves internationally, it couldn’t completely overshadow the buzz surrounding her rumored divorce from husband Abhishek Bachchan.
In what many are calling a statement of silent strength, the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil actress walked the red carpet solo this year, fueling ongoing rumors that her relationship with Abhishek may be going through turbulent times.
Although both stars have remained tight-lipped about the speculation, their lack of recent public appearances together and cryptic social media behavior have kept fans intrigued.
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Despite personal speculations, Aishwarya remained the picture of grace. Her saree featured intricate zari and brocade embroidery, woven in real silver (chandi) thread, which gave the classic silhouette a modern, textured edge.
The look also included a sheer, flowing train that brought ethereal drama to the red carpet. The detailing, as noted by Vogue, included subtle sequin work that added to the overall brilliance of her ensemble.
This year, she made a bold cultural statement by celebrating Indian handloom in an exquisite visual symphony of ivory, rose gold, and silver. Draped in a custom-made Kadwa Banarasi saree, the look was a tribute to India’s unparalleled weaving heritage.
Crafted using the intricate Kadwa brocade technique, the saree hails from the legendary looms of Varanasi. This traditional weaving method involves the meticulous creation of each motif separately, often requiring multiple shuttles and supplementary threads. The result is a richly detailed fabric that reflects centuries of artisanal mastery.
The ivory saree is adorned with handwoven brocade patterns and zari embroidery, all delicately crafted with real silver (chandi) threads. Accompanying the ensemble is a sheer white handwoven tissue dupatta, its edges beautifully finished with gold and silver zardozi embroidery, adding regal refinement to the overall look.
Breaking away from the typical glamour-heavy red carpet fashion, Aishwarya’s appearance redefined elegance through heritage and craftsmanship. Her choice of attire challenges conventional Western red carpet norms, positioning the saree not as a symbol of nostalgia, but as a statement of modern Indian couture.
This ensemble is not just an outfit—it is a cultural declaration. By showcasing the Kadwa Banarasi saree on an international stage like Cannes, Aishwarya and her designer have reimagined Indian couture.
The diva balanced her minimalist drape with bold jewellery choices. She wore 500 carats of Mozambique rubies and uncut diamonds, all set in 18-carat gold. The vibrant jewels offered a striking contrast to the serene color palette of her outfit, symbolizing a fierce blend of poise and power.
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Social media quickly erupted with admiration. Some users dubbed her “queen of Cannes,” while others noted how her styling evoked Paro’s emotional depth—especially poignant amid rumors of a real-life separation. One viral comment read, “She gave a big slap to the aunties who abandon Indian culture. She’s Miss World, embracing our traditions in front of the world.”
Fashion watchdog Diet Sabya joined the chorus, cheekily posting, “Not a soul blinked. Waiters dropped trays. Girls in archival Gaultier turned their heads. The girlies and the gays knew.”
The reactions highlight how Aishwarya, even in uncertain times, remains a cultural and sartorial icon. Her Cannes appearance not only celebrates Indian craftsmanship but also sends a powerful message of resilience—whether intended or not.
Though her marital status remains unconfirmed, one thing is clear: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to represent India with grace and power on the world stage, saree-clad and unapologetically herself.
