Bollywood Celebrities Grace Festival de Cannes With Style and Glam

While it is unfortunate that no Bollywood film made it to the 2019 Cannes Film Festival this year, divas from the film fraternity and the Indian fashion industry made impressive appearances in their attires. One noteworthy similarity among all of the red carpet looks was the fact that the beauties all chose white for the main event! Here are some of the last week’s looks of our Bollywood queens that made our eyes stay glued on Instagram.

1. Deepika Padukone

First and foremost, we have Queen D, Deepika Padukone. Sure, sometimes red carpet looks aren’t her forte, but her Cannes 2019 looks are to be remembered…that too, right after her impressive presence at the Met Gala. Padukone serving looks right and left, and to confirm, we cannot miss hubby Ranveer Singh’s comments on Instagram!

 

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Taaaaddaaaaa!!!?? #Cannes2019 @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @lorealskin

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close up to banta hai…!#Cannes2019 @lorealmakeup @lorealhair @lorealskin

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Dramatic Deepika! I do not know of anyone who could’ve pulled off a gown with a giant bow, puffy sleeves, AND a plunging neckline better than her. And, the oomph factor for me was definitely the high ponytail with a velvet tie. She opted for a defining eye and matte lips, not to forget the shiny diamond jewelry to finish the look. We sure did love the fact that Deepu did not play it safe and chose this Dundan gown. It sure did not look too over-the-top! Day 1 done well!

This Mastani sported a number of looks on Day 2 and every single one created a lasting impression.

 

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day 2, look 1… #Cannes2019 @loewe

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We love a celebrity look that we can recreate, and this Cannes look is surely one that is not hard to do so. Matching suits are so in right now and Padukone shows us how to pair a striped Loewe suit with bright orange pumps. Hello Summer!

And then comes look two…

 

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day 2, look 2… #cannes2019 @off____white

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One of our favorite looks from Cannes has to be this diva’s @off_white look. It is a combination of elegant and contemporary, a bit of tulle and snakeskin. How can we miss the lime green sunnies and the sneakers? This look screamed “trendy runaway bride” to me.

The third look from day 2 was not only #outfitgoals but also, #makeupgoals. A sheer white top can never go wrong and easily pairable with a pair of white bottoms from Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini. Again, this is a look we Brown Girls can take note from and incorporate in our daily fashion. The dark lip contrasted with the shimmery highlight gave dimension to the whole outfit.

 

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day 2, look 3… #Cannes2019 @philosophyofficial

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One fan’s comment on this look went something like this: “This WOMAN!” I cannot help but say the same. This woman can work all types of looks and big bows are really doing it for her this year. Floral Maxi dress from Erdem? Check. A bun? Check. Statement earrings, natural makeup, perfect Summer 2019 look?…check check check.

Deepika’s last look was, at first, eye-catching. However, as she shared more pictures, I came to adore it. It was fun, to say the least. Lime green and tulle yet again, but this time this Giambattista Valli piece was nothing less of a masterpiece. While her extra long tail trailed along the red carpet, her GLOWING face did the rest. Maybe the Emily London head wrap could’ve been omitted, but dramatic Deepu did do justice to it.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Here we have the global superstar: Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Modern, yet royal, this white jumpsuit is by Saudi designer, Honayda. The unique neck was indeed the show stealer. The sleek hair and glowin’ highlight emphasized regality. Literally, an angel.

 

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@red #5BFilm

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She stunned yet again in a black Roberto Cavalli sparkly gown with long Chopard earrings. The center of attention was definitely the graphic eye paired with a rose-pink lip shade. The best accessory, however, was her smile.

 

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Cannes 2019 @red #5BFilm

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Je ne sais quoi

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Now, what can I say about the next daytime looks of this Quantico star? Screaming “brunch” at us was the satin blue, summery dress with a corset, paired with the perfect white hat and pearls to top it off. She had the perfect arm candy to walk out with, in the form of husband and singer/actor, Nick Jonas.

 

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Day time.. play time. #Cannes2019

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? @nickjonas #Cannes2019

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Now, this next unique number could have mixed reviews, but PC pulled it off. She looked no less than a mermaid in this high neck, light lavender piece from Fendi. She made her brown eyes pop by wearing bright blue eyeliner. Probably could’ve gone with another hairstyle, but this ‘Purple haze’ was a winner regardless.

 

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Purple haze ?

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Mrs. Jonas was soothing to the eyes as she walked down the red carpet wearing a piece from Georges Hobeika’s Spring 2020 Bridal collection and once again, sporting jewelry from Chopard. She kept a simple ponytail with the perfect lip shade. The tiers on this perfect white, strapless, tulle gown created a princess vibe. And, of course, her prince was right by her side to compliment her. It was like their wedding all over again and we are not complaining at all!

 

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Mon amour

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For the next two looks, Piggy Chop, I’d say, achieved a whole lot with what some might see as, bright, plain, yet sparkly dresses. We are all about the back of the orange Tommy Hilfiger gown.

 

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? #Cannes2019

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? #Cannes2019

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And, she kept it sleek with the silver metallic piece from Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini all ready for a night out with her beau by her side.

 

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Night Rider

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Sonam Kapoor Ahuja

Cannes is not complete without our Mazakalli, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja. Kapoor Ahuja’s stylist, her sister, Rhea Kapoor mentioned that her looks were inspired by royalty. Let’s take a look.

First and for most, she took our breath away as she posted a picture of herself in a Maison Valentino sheer red dress with the perfect sleeves. She couldn’t have chosen a better hairstyle, that too, with flowers. Such a treat to the eyes and definitely a summer look to aim for.

 

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@maisonvalentino @chopard @artinayar @bbhiral @rheakapoor @manishamelwani @vani2790 @chadders83 @thehouseofpixels

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Like Deepu, this Neerja star did not fail the in ‘bow’ look, either. Chic Kapoor Ahuja donned this dark violet Elie Saab gown and how during her next appearance!

 

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And then came the dinner party. So, this fashionista had a tough choice to make: saree and a gown? It seems like she chose a bit of both! You might have seen some type of such collaboration in fashion lately, especially in Bollywood. However, this Golden couture piece from Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla had us looking at Sonam as if she was indeed a maharani. The gown had the essential South Asian touched: the saree pleats at the bottom and, not to miss the drape on her hair, with the statement neck piece. Giving a modern twist to this royal look was her matte lips with smokey eyes. In all honesty, we expected nothing less from Bollywood’s favorite fashionista!

 

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For the @chopard #lanuitdesrois dinner party in @abujanisandeepkhosla

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While no one really talked about this specific look of this Aisha actress, it was my personal favorite. In a custom dress by Ashi Studio, she was a treat to the eye. Stunning in yellow from head to toe, she enhanced the details by wearing a red lip and Chopard earrings.

When it comes to impressing us, Sonam Kapoor leaves no stone unturned. Ditching the formal gown for the red carpet look, she wore a white pantsuit by Ralph & Russo, and made it work by attaching a long train, how neat! The emerald jewelry on her ultimately stole the show. Not overdoing it, she kept the hair and makeup to a minimum, which we love. A 9-5 look with a royal twist! One caption that justified the look was: “when you can have a wedding and a career!” YES!

Kangana Ranaut

One individual that truly amazed us by her presence at the Cannes Festival was no one other than the Queen, herself. Talented Kangana Ranaut brought her A-game to the festival this year.

In a custom Falguni and Shane Peacock corset and a Kanjivaram sari, Ranaut tells us what’s up! I mean, take a look at her maroon gloves completely her look! Truly, a QUEEN.

She even managed a wet N wild look, with a black NEDO rockstar suit.

On the carpet, the sensational actress was no less of a Cinderella attending the ball. The braids in her hair, along with the glowy, soft makeup, and lilac earrings reminded us of Disney princesses. The Michael Cinco off the shoulder, embroidered gown suited her perfectly. Way to go, you made us proud, yet again!

What we have always learned from this beauty is the fact that you have to have your own voice and be proud in your own skin. Embracing her curls, Kangana wears a flowy and effortless dress by Ralph & Russo, inspiring us to let go. Rooftop brunch inspo much?

Aishwarya Rai Bachan

Bollywood’s favorite, Mrs. Aishwariya Rai Bachan, should be commended for her fashion evolution at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. While both the metallic gown and the feathered gown were a bit too much for me, I should note that she looked radiating in them.

 

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?My Sunshine Forever???? ?LOVE YOU ??

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?

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As she took a stroll in the French Riveria, this perfect momma did complete justice to a striped red and white off the shoulder dress. And, as always, Bollywood divas cannot go wrong with a red lip.

 

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??

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Amongst these stunners, Cannes had many newbies, too. Diana Penty was one of these newcomers. She sported a jaw-dropping look for her debut and we must say, she didn’t fail to impress!

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Go big or go home! #Cannes2019 #DianaAtCannes #GreyGooseLife #LiveVictoriously #FauxFeather

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The Cocktail star donned many looks, from a trench-coat dress to a sari. Here, she looked like every guy’s dream, in a NEDO sweetheart neck gown with feather and layers. We loved everything about this!

As many of you may have seen, Masoom Minawala, fashion influencer, and renowned blogger went live at Cannes on the Brown Girl Instagram story. She made a stellar appearance of her own and looked absolutely perfect.

 

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// If someone had told me 8 years ago I would be walking the red carpet at Cannes, I would have never believed them. You probably wouldn’t have either. 8 years ago when I started blogging, the only Indian blogger I knew of while setting up that domain name was @arushikhosla. For years, nobody believed in what I was doing, nobody understood what I was doing, I knew of so many stories of people imitating me, making fun of my voice, criticising how I could spend my time taking photographs of my outfits. It wasn’t the ‘cool’ thing to do back then. But I wore my blinders & focused on what ‘I’ loved doing, whether the world approved of it or not. So this one’s dedicated to all those of you who can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet – I assure you it’s there. But I also assure you it doesn’t come easy, it’s going to need you to fight through, it’s going to need you to work at hours & times that nobody will understand & it’s going to need you to accept your failures. But one day you will arrive at your very own red carpet, at your very own version of the Cannes Film Festival, and it will all finally come together?

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All in all, these brown divas only made us proud on the global scale with their charm and style at the 2019 Festival de Cannes.

By Shezda Afrin

Shezda Afrin is an aspiring physician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the age of four, it was quite normal of her … Read more ›

‘The Romantics’: Revisiting the Legacy and Grandeur of Yash Chopra With Filmmaker Smriti Mundhra

The Romantics

If you are a South Asian, born in the ’80s or the early ’90s, chances are your ideas of love and romance are heavily influenced by Hindi films — that first gaze, the secret love notes, that accidental meeting somewhere in Europe, over-the-top gestures and dancing around trees. While reality may have been far from what was promised on reel, you still can’t stop pining over a hopeless romantic, with chocolate boy looks, chasing you across the earth and many universes; in the life here and the ones after. Somewhere deep down, you still dream of that possibility despite your husband sitting and sipping his morning coffee right next to you. And much of the credit for weaving this dreamland, that we can’t resist happily sliding into, goes to the legendary Yash Chopra. Award-winning filmmaker Smriti Mundhra’s docu-series, “The Romantics,” that released on Netflix on February 14, chronicles Chopra’s prolific career; offering an illuminating look into the highs and lows of his journey, his unblemished vision for Hindi cinema and sheer love for filmmaking. 

I wanted to look at Indian cinema through the lens of it being a major contributor to the global cinema canon and Yash Chopra seemed like the perfect lens to explore that because of the longevity of his career and the fact that he had worked across so many different genres. His films, for so many of us, defined what Hindi cinema is.

— Smriti Mundhra

As “The Romantics” unveils, in a mere episode — a challenging feat in itself — Chopra did experiment with multiple genres as a budding filmmaker, initially under the shadows of his elder brother B.R. Chopra. From the religiously sensitive “Dharamputra” and the trendsetting “Waqt” to the action-packed and iconic “Deewaar.” It wasn’t until later on in his career that he set a precedent for a Hindi film having a wholly romantic narrative; though “Waqt” did offer the perfect glimpse into what would go on to become Chopra’s cinematic imprint. And then came “Chandni” which ushered in a new era for Hindi cinema; defying the formulaic approach to box office success and making love stories the golden goose.

In the words of more than 30 famous faces, a host of archival videos and interviews, and personal anecdotes, audiences get an extensive insight into the life and career of Yash Chopra and the evolution of his vision through the business acumen and genius of his polar opposite son and a famous recluse, Aditya Chopra. “The Romantics” is not a fancy portrait of a legendary filmmaker but an exploration of what goes into making a successful film family and a path-breaking production house. As viewers, we not only get a peek into the making of a fantasy creator but also learn of the many failures, hurdles and uncertainties that the business of filmmaking comes packaged in, the impact of socio-political shifts on the kind of content being produced and demanded, and just how much control we have as an audience over the fate of the film and the filmmaker.

For both the uninitiated and fanatics, there are some interesting revelations like Shah Rukh Khan’s lifelong desire to become an action hero as opposed to a romantic one and the creative conflict between Aditya Chopra and his father Yash Chopra on the sets of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge” — a project that, surprisingly, did not seem too promising to the latter. Mundhra penetrates deep into the family’s history and industry relationships evoking some really candid conversations; almost as if these celebs were eagerly waiting for their moment to speak. With one appraising interview after the other, it’s a panegyric that does border on being a tad tedious but there is enough depth and fodder in there to keep one hooked. Kudos to Mundhra for managing to achieve cohesion despite there being more than enough material to chew on. In the process of bringing this project to life, Mundhra also ends up achieving a number of milestones: one that the series features the last of actor Rishi Kapoor’s interviews and two, it brings Aditya Chopra, who, it appears, can talk a blue streak contrary to popular belief, to the front of the camera after almost two decades. The moment when he puts the nepotism debate to rest by referring to his brother’s catastrophic attempt at acting is quite the show-stealer.

 

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At some point during the four-episode series, you might question if it’s fair to credit the Yash Raj family for being the only real changemakers of the Hindi film industry and for picking up the baton to get Hindi cinema the global recognition that it has. But then there is no denying the Chopra clan’s body of work, their ability to understand what pleases the crowd and their commitment towards growth and progress amidst changing times and technology — Yash Raj Studios is in fact the only privately held and one of the biggest, state-of-the-art film studios in India. Chopra’s career and legacy are in no way under-lit that Mundhra can claim to throw new light on with “The Romantics.” But what she really has on offer here are sheer nostalgia, some fascinating discoveries and an ode to a cinephile and his art with a bit of fan service.

In an interview with Brown Girl Magazine, Mundhra discusses why it was so important for Chopra to be the subject of her docu-series, her own learnings during the series’ research and creative process and her accomplishment of getting Aditya Chopra to talk, and that too, at length.

By Nida Hasan

Editor by profession, writer by passion, and a mother 24/7, Nida is a member of Brown Girl Lifestyle's editing team … Read more ›