Cannes, the French Kumbh

Given the staggering presence of desis on the red carpet at the world's most prestigious and glamorous film festival, it is fair to ask: has quality Indian cinema suddenly exploded on the international scene?

- SHOBHAA DE

Who are all those overdressed randoms preening away on the famous carpet (and getting shooed off by security)? Are they even remotely connected to the film industry? The answer is an unambiguous 'no.' Most have paid upwards of ₹25 lakh to show up for a personal photo-op and post stories on Instagram. The other ones, seen partying crazily with our stars, are hangers-ons/groupies of prominent Bollywood cliques.

Cannes 2025 (established in 1946) attracted big names from across the film community, but for us in India, it was a demurely sari-clad Sharmila Tagore at 80 who stole the show from an overtly sexy Jahnvi Kapoor (28) in a daring mint-green backless gown.