Representation for Bollywood at this year’s Cannes Film Festival comes in the form of three actresses: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Mallaika Sherawat. Each of these ladies possesses their individual fashion mantras and are admired for their unique styles. However, all of these ladies have found themselves caught by the fashion police this year and are not only being compared to one another but are being scrutinized for their choice of clothes as they parade down the red carpet.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been criticized for her clothes over the last few years but this year even more so. While her Elie Saab dress was admired, her high bouffant was looked down on. According to designer Kapil and Monika, “Aishwarya Rai’s beautiful gown’s color matched her skin tone, but the hair do was a turn off. She’s got a fuller face and a high hairdo highlighted its roundness. The neatness of the hairstyle is also questionable. Her hair isn’t stylized as per 2010 trends but it is suiting her face.” The same goes for her day 2 look. The Armani Prive dress was loved but once again her “puff infused” hairstyle made many cringe.
Deepika Padukone’s desi avatar has been loved by some and hated by others. “Deepika gets thumbs up as she knows what looks good on her. Keeping it traditional is a very good idea. When it comes to international events like Cannes, it is always safe to keep away from experiments and sari has a modern yet traditional charm to it,” explained a writer from a leading fashion publication. On the flip side, Kapil and Monika went on to disparage Deepika’s styling. “Deepika’s make-up for Cannes was extremely garish making her look a tone darker than her actual complexion, her sari had no element of glam, and was wrongly accessorized with gold jewelry.”
In fact the actress herself went on to explain her choice for wearing more traditional wear at the international event. “When I started modeling, I promised myself that whenever I attend an international event, I’d wear a sari and not western clothes. I get enough opportunities at home to wear western clothes. When I’m seen at an international event I’d rather be fully Indian,” she said taking quite a stab at Ash. Rumor has it that Deepika made quiet inquiries as to who and what Ash would be wearing before she decided on her choice of red carpet wear.
The very popular Mallika Sherawat, who sported a rather Lady GaGa inspired outfit, has always been looked at very carefully whenever she is in the public eye. “Her outfit looks dull for the red carpet, it’s a shame as she has a beautiful body,” claimed a designer.
According to Puneet Nanda, a designer at Satya Paul, the actresses should really be on the red carpet displaying Indian designs and designers, “It’s sad to see Bollywood women wearing only western dresses by regular brands. They should take this as a big opportunity to showcase Indian style.”
