Aditi Rao Hydari, the celebrated Indian actress, has left an indelible mark on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet this year. Known for its glitz and glamour, the Cannes red carpet is a coveted stage for many. Yet, few know about the numerous fitting sessions and sleepless nights that precede this glamorous event. Aditi, who graced the event in a stunning strapless monochrome gown accentuated by soft lip color and an elegant updo, shed light on this lesser-known aspect just days before she took off to the French Riviera.
Emerging as a viral sensation, Aditi’s Gajagamini walk from the latest Sanjay Leela Bhansali musical series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has captured the internet’s imagination. This gracefully poised walk wasn’t just a display of her impeccable style but also a powerful statement on body positivity and self-acceptance. “I don’t try to prove anything to anyone,” Aditi shared candidly. Reflecting on her early days in the industry, she recounted, “When I was starting out, people had a lot of advice to give me. For the promotions of my early films, I’d wear jeans and a shirt. People started saying, ‘Get a hairstylist, be glamorous, and wear heels.’ I felt the need to conform.”
However, her perspective underwent a significant transformation in 2016, courtesy of working with the legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam. “That change in mindset happened in 2016 when I worked with Mani sir. Subsequently, I’ve never let fashion play heavy on me,” she declared. Representing L’Oreal Paris at the festival, Aditi’s non-conformist attitude resonates with many as she effortlessly blends style with substance.
This defiance against predefined beauty standards has indeed served her well. Earlier this month, her Gajagamini walk from Heeramandi became an internet phenomenon. Describing the experience, Aditi said, “Sanjay sir had asked me to put on some weight. Then I got COVID-19 and became so skinny that everyone overfed me. I put on a few kilos when I went to shoot the song. I suggested losing weight, but Sanjay sir said, ‘You’re beautiful. You’re not a 2020 heroine but a 1940’s woman.’”
The authenticity of her appearance struck a chord with many.
. “Today, when I see how that has made people feel, it feels wonderful. People have written in to say that they feel seen. We’re stuck in a manufactured idea of beauty, and it took Sanjay sir to show that other body types are as beautiful. In our tryst to be healthy, we have normalized a particular body type. But all body types are beautiful,” she emphasized.
The essence of the Cannes Film Festival, arguably the most prestigious film gala worldwide, oscillates between cinema and fashion. While fashion undeniably garners substantial attention, Aditi insists that the festival’s heart still beats for cinema. “It depends on the intention of the person,” she remarked. “There are countless cinephiles there, who watch films all day long. The media also needs to report more diversely.”
This year’s festival was particularly special for Aditi as it had an Indian film in the prestigious competition section: All We Imagine as Light, directed by Payal Kapadia. “Payal’s mother is my mom’s friend. I want to catch her film!” Aditi expressed her excitement.
Coupled with her eye-catching red carpet looks, Aditi’s Cannes journey is a testament to staying true to oneself. Her choice to remain unaffected by conventional fashion pressures and her powerful Gajagamini walk speaks volumes about her belief in beauty beyond the superficial. “I don’t try to prove anything to anyone,” she reiterated, encapsulating her journey of self-expression.
The convergence of fashion and cinema at Cannes offers a fertile ground for broadening perceptions. Aditi’s presence and portrayal of non-conformity encouraged a stronger narrative about embracing diversity and authenticity in the industry. By prioritizing substance over style, she redefined what it means to be a modern-day icon.
In conclusion, Aditi Rao Hydari’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival this year was not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerful commentary on self-acceptance and body positivity. Her journey from striving to fit into the industry’s mold to confidently embracing her inherent beauty serves as an inspiration to many. Through her elegance and poise, Aditi has indeed made a lasting impact, championing the cause that all body types are beautiful in their unique way.
