Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt made her highly anticipated debut at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2025, captivating audiences with her elegance and charm. As a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, Alia walked the red carpet in a stunning peach-toned, vintage-inspired gown by Sabyasachi, stealing the spotlight at the screening of The Mastermind. Despite earlier rumors of a cancellation due to India-Pakistan tensions, her appearance marked a historic moment for Indian cinema. Here’s everything you need to know about Alia’s Cannes 2025 debut, her iconic look, and Bollywood’s shining presence at the festival.
Alia Bhatt’s Iconic Red Carpet Look
Alia turned heads in a custom Sabyasachi gown that blended vintage drama with modern elegance. The peach-hued ensemble, featuring intricate embroidery and a flowing silhouette, paid homage to Indian craftsmanship while aligning with the festival’s theme, “Lights, Beauty and Action.” Paired with bold L’Oréal Paris makeup—think vibrant eyeshadow and a radiant glow—Alia’s look was both timeless and contemporary. Her appearance alongside British actress Simone Ashley sparked viral moments, with fans on social media praising their chemistry, one post declaring, “God is a woman: Alia Bhatt and Simone Ashley.” Alia shared a black-and-white glimpse of her look on Instagram Stories, building anticipation for her red carpet moment.
Overcoming Rumors of Cancellation
In March 2025, Alia announced her Cannes debut during a pre-birthday meet-and-greet with the media, expressing excitement and nerves: “There’s something absolutely special about firsts,” she said. However, on May 13, reports suggested she might skip the festival due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack. Alia’s heartfelt social media post about sleepless nights and solidarity with Indian soldiers fueled speculation. Ultimately, she silenced rumors by jetting off to Cannes, spotted at Mumbai airport in a chic Gucci ensemble on May 23, confirming her attendance for the festival’s closing leg.
Bollywood’s Strong Presence at Cannes 2025
The 78th Cannes Film Festival, held from May 13 to May 24, 2025, saw a robust Indian contingent. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Cannes veteran, returned with her signature glamour. Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter attended for the premiere of Homebound in the Un Certain Regard section, while Nitanshi Goel, the youngest Indian debutante, represented L’Oréal Paris. Sharmila Tagore was honored with a screening of Satyajit Ray’s restored Aranyer Din Ratri, and Payal Kapadia served as a jury member. Other stars like Karan Johar, Urvashi Rautela, and Neeraj Ghaywan added to India’s global cinematic footprint, making 2025 a landmark year for Bollywood at Cannes.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Alia’s debut sent social media into a frenzy, with fans lauding her as a “global desi icon.” Posts on X called her look “ethereal” and celebrated her alongside Aishwarya Rai as “Bollywood queens ruling Cannes.” Fashion critics praised Sabyasachi’s design for blending Indian heritage with global appeal, a nod to Alia’s previous international appearances at the Met Gala 2023 and Paris Fashion Week 2024. L’Oréal Paris, marking its 28th year at Cannes, highlighted Alia’s role in promoting self-expression, with their Nykaa partnership amplifying Indian beauty on the global stage.
Alia’s Upcoming Projects
Amid her Cannes debut, Alia was busy filming Love & War, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, set for release on March 20, 2026. She’s also gearing up for Alpha, a YRF spy thriller, and Brahmastra Part 2. Her Cannes appearance, timed after an intense shooting schedule at Film City’s Joker Maidan, underscores her ability to balance global stardom with a packed Bollywood slate.
Why Alia’s Cannes Debut Matters
Alia Bhatt’s Cannes 2025 debut is a milestone for Indian cinema, showcasing her as a global ambassador of talent and style. Her journey from Gangubai Kathiawadi to the French Riviera cements her as a trailblazer, following in the footsteps of Aishwarya Rai and Deepika Padukone. With fans eagerly awaiting her next move, Alia’s presence at Cannes reinforces Bollywood’s growing influence. Stay tuned to FilmyDeva for the latest on Alia Bhatt, Cannes 2025, and Bollywood updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alia Bhatt debut at Cannes?
Alia Bhatt made her Cannes Film Festival debut on May 23, 2025, at the screening of The Mastermind.
What did Alia Bhatt wear at Cannes 2025?
She wore a peach-toned, vintage-inspired Sabyasachi gown with intricate embroidery, paired with bold L’Oréal Paris makeup.
Why was Alia Bhatt’s Cannes debut almost canceled?
Rumors suggested she might skip the festival due to India-Pakistan tensions, but she attended the closing leg on May 23, 2025.
