Alia Bhatt calls Aishwarya Rai a 'huge inspiration' at Cannes 2025, says "I have grown up watching her walk the carpet..."

Alia Bhatt says she is inspired by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt made her debut at the prestigious international Cannes Film Festival in 2025, captivating audiences with her breathtaking presence.

In a recent interview from the festival, Alia talked about how much she admires Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and how her sophisticated Cannes appearances over the years have greatly influenced her.

She described Aishwarya as a “huge inspiration” and called her own presence at Cannes a “pinch-me moment.”

During a conversation with Brut India at Cannes, Alia reflected, “Around this time everyone is on their phone, looking at the red carpet looks, looking at the beauty looks. I, for one, have actually grown up watching Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walk the carpet in all her glory and really represent India on global stage. And it is always such a huge inspiration. So, it really feels very nice. Like a pinch-me moment to be here. And it’s actually really lovely energy, the city is buzzing, there’s so much happy positive vibes around, we are all here to actually celebrate cinema, but you are also here to celebrate the coming together of people from different parts of the world.”

Although Alia and Aishwarya have not yet shared a screen time together, Aishwarya costarred with Alia's husband, Ranbir Kapoor, in the 2016 movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, directed by Karan Johar.

When Alia Bhatt made her red carpet debut at Cannes 2025, she looked stunning in a delicate, nude Schiaparelli gown from the Spring 2025 couture collection, which was expertly styled by Rhea Kapoor. Her appearance at the closing ceremony was even more impressive; she wore a custom Gucci saree, which was the brand's first-ever custom saree.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, meanwhile, won praise for two eye-catching ensembles. In a sophisticated ivory Banarasi handloom Manish Malhotra saree with a flowing lace train and an extended pallu draped elegantly over her shoulder, she honoured Indian tradition in her first appearance. A striking ruby necklace and a dainty dash of sindoor on her forehead finished the ensemble.

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For her second appearance, Aishwarya wowed the crowd in a dramatic black shimmering gown by Gaurav Gupta, enhanced by a voluminous white cape that added flair and sophistication.

Alia also shared how motherhood has made her feel a constant presence, even when physically apart from her child. "Because now I am here, but my heart is at home because my daughter is at home. It just feels that I am never alone, the thought and the presence of her is always with me," she said.