Cannes disasters: 5 times Bollywood stars missed the mark on the French red carpet

The Cannes Film Festival, once known for celebrating global cinema and its timeless elegance, has now become a showcase for some of the most memorable fashion fails. While many Bollywood celebrities have graced the iconic red carpet, some have left us questioning their sartorial choices. From quirky mishaps to awkward misfires, here’s a look at 5 times Bollywood stars failed to impress with their fashion choices at the French Riviera.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been a Cannes regular for over two decades, known for her glamorous and iconic looks. However, in recent years, some of her choices have left fans disappointed. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya donned a perplexing hooded cape with silver foil-like detailing. The outfit, which seemed more suited for Halloween than the prestigious red carpet, had fashion critics and fans questioning her style. For a diva of her stature, this look was more bewildering than beautiful.
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Urvashi Rautela is no stranger to extravagant fashion choices at Cannes, and while some have been praised, others have sparked confusion. Her 2023 look was a classic example of the latter. Wearing a green mermaid-style feathered gown paired with a matching headpiece, her outfit quickly divided opinions online. The look was compared to everything from a parrot to a Pokémon, leaving many wondering whether she was auditioning for a new animated film rather than a high-fashion event.

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In 2018, Deepika Padukone’s red carpet moment became an unforgettable meme on social media. She wore a dramatic parrot-green ruffle gown by Elie Saab that seemed to swallow her whole. The oversized fabric, paired with a pink bow headband, was a fashion disaster that lacked both creativity and grace. Instead of looking like high-fashion couture, the gown appeared more like something from a theatrical costume store, leaving Deepika’s usual elegance nowhere to be found.

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Sonam Kapoor, often praised for her bold and experimental fashion choices, had a major misstep at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Wearing a lime green Elie Saab gown, she was quickly turned into the subject of social media jokes. The over-the-top feathery details, with loose ends and too much shimmer, made the gown appear cheap and ill-suited for such a high-profile event. The entire look screamed "over-the-top" rather than "couture," and it wasn’t long before she became a fashion meme for the ages.

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In 2010, Mallika Sherawat made a dramatic and unforgettable entrance at Cannes while promoting her film Hisss. But instead of a glamorous gown, she opted for a simple yellow and black strappy dress, paired with a truly bizarre twist: she had three real snakes wrapped around her neck. As she smiled for the cameras, a boa constrictor slithered beside her, turning the red carpet into a live-action version of Khatron Ke Khiladi. While the stunt certainly got attention, her outfit, which was far too casual for the occasion, and the snake theatrics, didn't win over the fashion critics.

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With Cannes 2025 officially underway, all eyes are on the red carpet, not just for the glamour, but for the fashion risks that inevitably spark conversation. While some stars dazzle in couture masterpieces, others often land in the spotlight for their more eccentric style choices. As the festival unfolds, it’s only a matter of time before the internet crowns its next batch of fashion hits and head-scratchers. Let’s wait and watch who ends up on this year’s list of fresh, bizarre, and unforgettable outfits.