Chhaya Kadam, a critically acclaimed actress known for her versatility in movies like ‘Laapata Ladies’ and ‘Madgaon Express,’ recently made her debut at the prestigious 2024 Cannes Film Festival. She walked the red carpet for her Malayalam film ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ directed by Payal Kapadia. This film has garnered significant attention and excitement since it marks the first time in three decades that an Indian entry has been included in the main Palme d’Or category at Cannes.
In a heartfelt gesture, Kadam chose to wear her late mother’s saree for this monumental occasion. During a conversation with Brut, she shared the deep emotional significance behind her choice of attire. “Two days before I left for Cannes, I saw the saree and said, ‘I couldn’t take you with me, but I will wear your saree in Cannes.’ By wearing it, I felt as though I was bringing her along with me,” Kadam revealed.
Kadam took to Instagram to share photos of her appearance at the French Riviera. In her caption, she expressed a long-held dream of taking her mother on a flight. Though she couldn’t fulfill this dream while her mother was alive, Kadam felt she honored her mother by wearing her saree and the traditional Maharashtrian nath (nose ring) to the film festival.
She wrote in Marathi, “My dream of taking you on a flight remained unfulfilled….but today I am content that I brought your saree and nose ring to the Cannes Film Festival by flight. Still, Mom! I wish you were here today. To see all this. Love you, Mom, and miss you a lot.”
The decision to wear her late mother’s saree was much more than a fashion statement for Kadam. It was an emotional tribute, a way to keep her mother’s memory alive and share this significant moment with her, albeit symbolically.
. The photos quickly went viral, touching the hearts of many fans who admired the sentimental value behind her choice of attire.
‘All We Imagine As Light,’ the film that brought Kadam to Cannes, revolves around the lives of two women. Prabha, one of the protagonists, is a nurse who receives an unexpected and unsettling gift from her long-estranged husband. The other protagonist, Anu, is Prabha’s younger friend and roommate who is desperately searching for a quiet spot to be with her lover. As the story unfolds, the two women embark on a road trip to a beach town, where they find a space that allows their dreams and desires to flow freely.
Director Payal Kapadia has made a notable mark in the film industry. In 2021, she won the Golden Eye for Best Documentary for ‘The Night of Knowing Nothing.’ A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, Kapadia has previously directed films such as ‘Watermelon, Fish and Half Ghost,’ ‘The Last Mango Before the Monsoon,’ and ‘Afternoon Clouds.’
Kadam, who has previously mesmerized audiences with her performances in numerous films, relished the opportunity to represent ‘All We Imagine As Light’ at Cannes. The film’s entry into the main Palme d’Or category is a historic achievement for Indian cinema, given that it has been three decades since an Indian film last competed in the same category. The anticipation surrounding the film has been palpable, and Kadam’s heartfelt tribute to her mother only added another layer of emotional depth to the event.
In addition to paying tribute to her mother, Kadam’s appearance also showcased a blend of tradition and modernity. The Maharashtrian nath she wore is deeply rooted in cultural and regional heritage, adding to the gravity of her gesture. It was not just an accessory but a significant part of her cultural identity, connecting her to her roots even as she graced an international platform.
As Kadam walked down the red carpet, the emotional weight of her attire was evident. Her poignant gesture showcased how clothing could be deeply personal and laden with sentimental value, adding a layer of human connection to the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival. It was a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between loved ones and the importance of honoring those who have shaped our lives, even after they are gone.
In conclusion, Chhaya Kadam’s heartfelt tribute to her late mother at Cannes has resonated with many, turning her fashion choice into a powerful statement of love and remembrance. By wearing her mother’s saree and Maharashtrian nath, Kadam not only kept her mother’s memory alive but also represented a piece of her cultural heritage on one of the most prestigious stages in the world of cinema. This moment serves as an inspiring reminder of how personal narratives and cultural traditions can intersect in profound and meaningful ways.
