Renowned actress Chhaya Kadam, celebrated for her evocative roles in films like ‘Laapata Ladies’ and ‘Madgaon Express,’ recently made her debut at the prestigious 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The accomplished actress attended the event for her Malayalam film ‘All We Imagine As Light.’ This cinematic piece, directed by the talented Payal Kapadia, has garnered significant attention. It marks the first Indian entry into Cannes’ main category for the Palme d’Or in three decades, setting a historical milestone.
In an exclusive conversation with Brut, Chhaya Kadam shared a deeply personal story about her choice of attire for the Cannes red carpet. She made the poignant decision to wear her late mother’s saree, turning her appearance into an emotional tribute. “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,'” Chhaya revealed, shedding light on the sentimental significance behind her attire. This simple yet profound act transformed her glamorous debut into a deeply meaningful moment.
The actress further detailed her heartfelt gesture on social media. On Instagram, she shared stunning images of herself adorned in her mother’s saree and traditional Maharashtrian nath, set against the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera. In her caption, she expressed a long-held dream to take her mother on a flight—a dream that remained unfulfilled during her mother’s lifetime. Symbolically, by wearing the saree and nath, Chhaya felt she had achieved this dream. Her emotional message in Marathi read, “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.”
This moving tribute added a layer of personal and cultural richness to her Cannes appearance. The saree, beyond being a beautiful garment, became an emblem of her heritage and a medium through which she honored her late mother. Chhaya’s gesture resonated deeply with many, turning her red carpet moment into an emotional narrative of love, remembrance, and connection.
The film ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ which brought Chhaya to Cannes, delves into the nuanced lives of ordinary women. The plot centers on Prabha, a dedicated nurse who receives a perplexing gift from her long-estranged husband, leaving her uneasy. Simultaneously, Prabha’s younger friend and roommate, Anu, is on a quest to find a quiet spot to meet her lover. Their lives intertwine on a poignant road trip to a beach town, where they explore their dreams and desires, finding a momentary escape from their daily struggles.
Director Payal Kapadia, an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, has established herself as a visionary filmmaker. Her previous works include ‘Watermelon, Fish and Half Ghost,’ ‘The Last Mango Before the Monsoon,’ and ‘Afternoon Clouds.’ In 2021, Kapadia gained international recognition by winning the Golden Eye award for Best Documentary for her film ‘The Night of Knowing Nothing.’ Her latest venture, ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ continues her exploration of intricate human emotions and relationships, making a significant impact at Cannes.
Chhaya Kadam’s Cannes journey was not just about cinematic achievement but also about personal fulfillment and tribute. Her presence at the festival, draped in her late mother’s saree, was a testament to the enduring power of familial bonds and cultural heritage. It added a profound narrative to her professional accolades, intertwining her personal history with her public accomplishments.
This unique debut has left an indelible mark on her career and the audience. Chhaya Kadam’s story from Cannes is a heartwarming reminder of how personal histories and emotional relationships can transform public appearances into unforgettable experiences. By donning her mother’s saree, she not only honored her roots but also brought an element of deep emotional resonance to the world stage, making her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival truly memorable.
