Indian actor Kani Kusruti made a powerful statement of solidarity with the victims of the ongoing war in Gaza while gracing the red carpet for her film “All We Imagine As Light” at the Cannes Film Festival. As one of the leads in Payal Kapadia’s film, which is in contention for the prestigious Palme d’Or, Kusruti’s appearance was both poignant and impactful. She complemented her elegant attire with a handbag shaped like a watermelon slice, a subtle yet profound symbol of Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupation.
The watermelon slice is no ordinary fashion accessory; its colors—red, green, white, and black—are reflective of the Palestinian flag. Post the six-day war in 1967, Israel banned the display of the Palestinian flag, leading to the adoption of the watermelon as an alternative political symbol. The sight of Kusruti on the Cannes red carpet, holding this symbolic pouch, immediately captured the world’s attention. She was praised for her bravery, particularly at a time when many actors, both from India and Hollywood, have shied away from taking a clear stance on the protracted and volatile issue.
In attendance with Kusruti were Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, Payal Kapadia, and Divya Prabha, all showing their support for “All We Imagine As Light.” The event was heavily photographed, ensuring that images of Kusruti’s notable gesture circulated widely.
Crafted by Kochi-based designer Diya John, Kusruti’s pouch was a standout piece. John, who designed the rest of the actor’s outfit—a sleek white bodycon silk dress—runs a boutique called Salt Studio. The studio later shared a behind-the-scenes video showcasing how the watermelon clutch was meticulously created. “I wanted something like that,” Kusruti mentioned during a press conference for her film. “So I asked my friend [John], who crafted it by hand.”
This is not the first time that a red carpet at Cannes has been used as a platform for political statements.
. Earlier, Australian star Cate Blanchett had arranged her Cannes red carpet outfit as a tribute to the Palestinian flag. Blanchett’s attire consisted of a black gown with a white back and green hemwork. Walking on the red carpet, the combination of these colors emulated the Palestinian flag, symbolically voicing her support.
The film “All We Imagine as Light” narrates the lives of two Malayali nurses living in Mumbai. The movie received an overwhelming response at its Cannes premiere, boasting an eight-minute standing ovation and glowing reviews. It marks a significant milestone as the first Indian film in 30 years to compete for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize.
Set against the backdrop of Indian and world cinema, Kani Kusruti’s bold declaration of support for Palestine at such a globally recognized event underscores the intersection of art and activism. Her actions not only shine a light on the hardships faced by Palestinians but also highlight the power of the arts to bring socio-political issues into the public consciousness.
Moreover, the choice of such a symbolic accessory by a public figure at a high-profile event like Cannes goes beyond mere fashion statements. It reflects a deeper commitment to raising awareness and sparking dialogue on critical global issues. In a world where celebrities often avoid controversial topics to protect their careers, Kusruti’s actions resonate as a significant departure from the norm.
The powerful symbolism behind Kusruti’s watermelon pouch is a reminder of the historical context and ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people. It serves as a call for empathy and action from the global community. As the image of Kani Kusruti with her watermelon clutch continues to spread across social media and news outlets, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of using art and public platforms to address real-world issues.
In the realm of cinema and politics, Kani Kusruti’s statement at Cannes 2024 will be remembered as a courageous act that transcended beyond the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, providing a poignant moment of solidarity and empathy for the victims in Gaza.
