'Laapata Ladies' actress Chhaya Kadam aka Manju Mai wears her late mother's saree and nath for Cannes 2024 debut, says, 'my dream of taking mom on a flight remained unfulfilled but brought her things to the festival'

Actress Chhaya Kadam, known for her notable roles in films such as 'Laapata Ladies' and 'Madgaon Express,' recently made her debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. She appeared for her Malayalam film 'All We Imagine As Light.' The film, directed by Payal Kapadia, has garnered significant attention as it is the first Indian film in 30 years to compete in the main category (Palme d'Or) at Cannes.

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In a heartfelt gesture, Chhaya Kadam paid tribute to her late mother by wearing her mother's saree and nath (nose ring) at the festival. Sharing her pictures from the French Riviera on Instagram, Chhaya expressed her deep emotions and connection to her mother. She revealed that it was always her dream to take her mother on a flight, but she couldn't fulfill this wish while her mother was alive. By wearing her mother's saree and nath, Chhaya symbolically brought her mother along to experience this significant moment in her career. Chhaya's note in Marathi roughly translates to, "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! You were needed today. To see it all. Love you, Mom, and miss you very much." This emotional tribute resonated with many of her fans and followers, highlighting the deep bond she shared with her mother.

During the festival, Chhaya Kadam also shared a picture with the renowned music maestro AR Rahman, with whom she interacted at the event. Talking about 'All We Imagine As Light,' the film is produced by France's Petit Chaos, along with co-producers including India's Chalk & Cheese, France's Arte France Cinema, the Netherlands' Baldr Film, India's Another Birth, Luxembourg's Les Films Fauves, and Italy's Pulpa Film.

The film features Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridthu Haroon in key roles. Payal Kapadia, an alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), directed the film. She is best known for her acclaimed documentary 'A Night of Knowing Nothing,' which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival's Director’s Fortnight side-bar and won the Oeil d'or (Golden Eye) award.

Chhaya Kadam's emotional tribute to her mother and her participation in such a prestigious event highlight her dedication and passion for her craft. It also underscores the importance of cultural heritage and the enduring connections we hold with our loved ones, even after they have passed away. This moment at Cannes is a significant milestone in Chhaya's career, and her heartfelt gesture has left a lasting impact on her fans and the film community.