For her 22nd Cannes appearance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan graced the red carpet in a custom Manish Malhotra Kadwa Banarasi sari, handwoven with intricate silver brocade and zari embroidery.
She completed the ensemble with a striking ruby necklace and a touch of sindoor.
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While she served and slayed her iconic look, many on social media couldn’t stop criticising what they called an over-the-top PR frenzy, proclaiming her as a powerful global icon, while arguing that the reality is far from it.
They believe she isn’t even relevant in India anymore and claim she hasn’t carried a single film solely on her shoulders.
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While it’s true that she hasn’t been part of a major box office hit or blockbuster in over 15 years, calling her completely irrelevant might be a stretch.
Supporters of Aishwarya pointed out that despite not delivering a standout performance in recent years, her contributions to Indian cinema remain significant.
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Her performances in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Guru, Guzaarish, Taal, and Devdas continue to be loved by fans.
Beyond mainstream Bollywood, her work in indie films like Raincoat and Chokher Bali, as well as a few international projects, is also worth remembering.
To many, Aishwarya has always been more than just an actress — she has been a fashion icon.
Yes, her PR may be attempting to present her as a globally celebrated figure, and at times it may feel overdone.
But they’re not entirely wrong in suggesting that she remains one of the most influential Indian celebrities on the world stage.
