Indian actor Kani Kusruti has captured international attention as she walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, expressing solidarity with the victims of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Kusruti, one of the leading actors in Payal Kapadia’s film “All We Imagine As Light”, which is vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or, made a significant political statement with her choice of accessory: a handbag shaped like a watermelon slice.
The watermelon bag is more than a stylish addition to her ensemble; it symbolizes the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupation. This symbolic representation dates back to post-1967, after the Six-Day War, when Israel banned displays of the Palestinian flag. The colors of the watermelon—red, green, white, and black—mirror those of the Palestinian flag, allowing Palestinians to express their identity and resistance through the fruit’s representation when the actual flag was not permitted.
This bold statement resonated strongly online, with the image of Kusruti and her symbolic accessory quickly going viral. Netizens praised her bravery, especially during a time when many actors from both India and Hollywood have been reluctant to adopt public stances on the ongoing war. The online community lauded Kusruti for her courage in using her Cannes appearance to draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Cannes lineup saw other notable appearances. Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, Kusruti herself, Payal Kapadia, and Divya Prabha glided across the red carpet, each contributing their presence to the premiere of their film “All We Imagine As Light.” The festival buzzed with excitement not only for the film’s premier but also for the topical discussions it hinted at.
Kusruti’s choice of the watermelon bag wasn’t a solo effort but a collaboration with Kochi-based designer Diya John, who crafted both the handbag and Kusruti’s entire outfit—a white bodycon silk dress. John’s boutique, Salt Studio, documented the creation process and shared the intricate handiwork involved in mesmerizing social media users. Complementing Kusruti’s political message, the ensemble stood out for its minimalist yet powerful design, combining avant-garde fashion with cultural activism.
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Reflecting on her Cannes experience at the press conference for “All We Imagine As Light,” Kusruti shared her thoughts on the accessory. “I wanted something like that,” she explained, detailing her desire to convey a powerful message through her fashion choices. She credited her designer friend John, who meticulously crafted the watermelon pouch by hand, transforming a simple accessory into a statement of solidarity.
Kusruti is not alone in using fashion as a medium of protest at Cannes. Australian star Cate Blanchett similarly made a resonant appearance at the event. To honor the Palestinian flag, Blanchett wore a black gown with a white back and green hemwork to the premiere of “The Apprentice”. The ensemble harmonized perfectly with the red carpet, weaving together the colors of the Palestinian flag. This fusion of fashion and activism highlighted the festival’s broader engagement with global political issues.
Cate Blanchett’s thoughtful wardrobe choice at the Cannes Film Festival
| Photo Credit: SAMEER AL-DOUMY
All We Imagine As Light, a poignant film that delves into the lives of two Malayali nurses living in Mumbai, transcended its immediate storyline to engage with broader socio-political themes. The film not only premiered to an extended—eight-minute—standing ovation but also garnered glowing reviews from critics. This recognition signifies a historic moment for Indian cinema, marking the first time in three decades that an Indian film is competing for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s most coveted award.
Through her bold red carpet appearance and the impactful film she represents, Kani Kusruti has effectively brought global attention to both the art of cinema and the urgent issues of our times. Holding a watermelon-shaped bag, she didn’t just carry an accessory but bore a symbol of resistance, intertwining the worlds of fashion and activism to make a compelling statement on a prominent international stage.
