Jacqueline Fernandez and Nitanshi Goel
| Photo Credit: Getty Images, X/ @SAMTHEBESTEST_
Day 3 of the 78th Cannes Film Festival saw Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez make a striking appearance as she officially represented Indian cinema under the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema initiative. Skipping the opening ceremony red carpet, Jacqueline arrived at the French Riviera, turning heads with red ensemble.
Recognised among six global honourees, Jacqueline stood alongside Sarah Taibah, Elham Ali, Amina Khalil, Engfa Waraha, Gaya Jiji, and Rungano Nyoni. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, “Delighted to be an honouree at the Women in Cinema initiative that champions female storytellers.”
Joining her in making headlines was Lapataa Ladies breakout star Nitanshi Goel, who made her Cannes debut this year. For her red carpet look, Nitanshi wore a structured black and gold gown featuring tulle and a lace train. But it was her second ensemble — a pearl-embellished lehenga saree — that seemed to have caught the most attention.
What stood out was her custom pearl hair accessory by Be Abhika, which incorporated miniature photo frames of Indian cinema legends, with portraits of Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Rekha, Sridevi, Waheeda Rehman, and others. Her hair, styled in traditional plaits, echoed classic Indian aesthetics while celebrating the legacy of women in cinema.
Cannes 2025 is already shaping up to be a star-studded affair for India. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar, Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Aditi Rao Hydari are among the many expected to walk the red carpet. Meanwhile, the Bharat Pavilion launched with appearances from Anupam Kher and Shekhar Kapur. Meanwhile, fans also await Alia Bhatt’s rumoured appearance.
Published – May 16, 2025 10:36 am IST
