- Saturday, May 24, 2025
Amid high fashion and flashing cameras, Alia Bhatt’s tiny black dot at Cannes made a quiet yet powerful cultural statement.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Alia Bhatt’s much-anticipated debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 turned out to be not just a glamorous affair but a proud celebration of Indian tradition. The Raazi actor graced the red carpet in a breathtaking couture gown by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli, but what truly caught everyone’s attention was a tiny, culturally significant detail—the kaala teeka discreetly placed behind her ear.
After weeks of speculation that she might skip Cannes this year, Alia finally arrived at the French Riviera, putting all rumours to rest. Her fans were elated as she stepped onto the red carpet in a romantic beige gown adorned with delicate white floral embellishments. With her hair tied back into a classic bun and minimal accessories, Alia let the outfit—and that meaningful black dot—do the talking.
View this post on Instagram
The kaala teeka, a black dot often used in Indian households to ward off the evil eye, quickly sparked curiosity and admiration online. Traditionally applied to children by their parents to protect them from bad luck and negative energy, the kaala teeka made a striking appearance on Alia’s otherwise Western couture look, reflecting a quiet but proud nod to her Indian roots.
This isn’t the first time Alia has embraced her cultural heritage at international events. At the Met Gala 2024, she wore a stunning floral saree by Sabyasachi, complete with a similar kaala teeka, blending tradition with high fashion. That moment had already earned her accolades for bringing Indian aesthetics into global conversations, and her Cannes appearance now strengthens that narrative.
Alia took to Instagram to share a series of photos and videos from her time at Cannes, simply captioning them “Hello Cannes” with smiling emojis. While her followers were awed by her elegant look, it was the kaala teeka that became a talking point across platforms. Social media buzzed with admiration for the subtle gesture, calling it a graceful symbol of staying rooted while reaching for the stars.
Interestingly, Alia wasn’t the only star flaunting traditional tokens at Cannes this year. Fellow Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor also made headlines for wearing a black thread—another Indian talisman believed to protect against negativity. Dressed in a pistachio green ensemble with gold jewellery, Janhvi’s choice of accessory too resonated with fans who appreciated the mix of faith, fashion, and identity.
These quiet yet powerful cultural statements suggest a growing trend among Indian celebrities on international red carpets. It’s no longer just about stunning gowns and designer labels—it’s also about carrying pieces of home, of tradition, and of identity.
On the work front, Alia is set to appear alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War. But for now, it’s not just her cinematic future that’s making news—it’s that small black dot behind her ear that’s telling a bigger story.
